The government of Jharkhand has taken a noteworthy step by deciding to include the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the curriculum of government schools beginning with the next school year. This initiative’s main goal is to educate students about their legal rights and the safeguards put in place to prevent child abuse.
The POCSO Act will be incorporated into the moral science curriculum for students in grades 6 through 10, according to the state education department. The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has been entrusted by the department to create the curriculum and textbooks that will incorporate the POCSO Act in order to facilitate this.
After lengthy discussions with a range of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and child rights activists, this important decision was made. The department highlights how incorporating the POCSO Act into the curriculum will help students understand the nature and consequences of sexual offenses and give them the ability to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities.
Additionally, the department intends to make sure that educators are trained in the sensitive and age-appropriate teaching of the POCSO Act. To improve student learning and effectiveness, teachers will be urged to use interactive teaching strategies like case studies, role plays, and quizzes.
The POCSO Act, which was passed into law in 2012, provides a thorough legal framework for protecting minors from sexual assault, harassment, and pornography. The act places severe penalties on offenders, ranging from three years to life in prison, and defines a child as any person under the age of eighteen. This educational program demonstrates a dedication to educating the next generation about safety and protection, creating a safer atmosphere for kids throughout the state.
