GALE The Global Alliance for LGBT education
October 21, 2007 - The Parliamentary Committee on Petitions has decided to consult a cross-section of people for a national debate on the introduction of sex education in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated schools all over the country.
The move of the Indian Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry to introduce sex education in the form of Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) in the schools all over the country had attracted severe criticism from conservatives. The CBSE has around 8,000 affiliated schools in India and abroad. Two petitioners asked that there should be a national debate on the subject and a consensus arrived before introducing sex education in the schools.
While examining the prayer of the petitioners, chairman of the Committee on Petitions M.Venkaiah Naidu decided that the committee should undertake wider consultations with all the stakeholders including eminent educationists, sociologists, psychologists, sexologists, spiritual leaders, teachers and parents for generating a national debate on the subject.
The committee has invited suggestions on the introduction of sex education in the schools. These can be submitted through a written memorandum containing suggestions and views of individuals, institutions and organisations interested in the subject matter.
There is no consensus in the country over introducing sex and reproductive health education in schools and colleges. Even Union Ministers gave contradictory statements over the introduction of sex education in schools.
The HRD Ministry in collaboration with National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) launched the Adolescence Education Programme for secondary and higher secondary classes with the objective to empower the adolescent population to make informed choices and develop life skills for addressing psychological, social and health concerns.
Editorial comment: it may be hoped that all stakeholder are consulted, including for example the more progressive sex education organisations like TARSHI, LGBTI organizations and of course adolescents themselves.
Source: http://www.asiasrc.org/news/blog/index.php