Karnataka government plans to introduce sex education for students in Classes 8 to 12
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is planning to introduce sex education for students from Classes 8 to 12, as announced by School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa.
In a 12-page written reply tabled in the Legislative Council, the minister shared that the education department plans to offer two sex education classes per week, as reported by Deccan Herald on Thursday. These sessions will be conducted by local doctors and police personnel, aimed at helping students navigate the physical, emotional, and mental changes that occur during adolescence.
However, the minister did not specify a timeline for the launch of this initiative.
The department is also planning to conduct health check-ups twice a year for students in Classes 1 to 10. Nurses and doctors from local Primary Health Centers will also provide monthly orientations on hygiene, contagious diseases, and the harmful effects of drug abuse as part of health education, the reply said.
To further support students, the government will establish counselling committees in colleges. A woman lecturer will be appointed as the nodal officer to provide a safe space for female students to discuss their issues freely. This initiative aims to address the concerns of children, adolescents, and their parents.
Additionally, the minister announced plans for biannual counselling sessions with prominent psychologists in schools. Separate counselling sessions will be held for students exhibiting "unnatural or unwarranted" behaviour, which will be addressed by qualified psychiatrists, the report added.
In addition, workshops by police personnel will be organised to educate students about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Bangarappa expressed his support for introducing moral education in schools from the next academic year. He emphasised the importance of teaching children the principle of "give respect to gain respect" and noted that he would consult with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to make a formal announcement on this matter.
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French President Macron concludes Mumbai visit
Mumbai (PTI): French President Emmanuel Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, left Mumbai for New Delhi on Wednesday after concluding his engagements here, including bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They were seen off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
On Tuesday, Macron held discussions with Modi as part of efforts to further strengthen India-France strategic ties.
During the Mumbai visit, the French president and his wife also met some of India's top filmmakers and actors, and had an animated exchange with them about cinema, culture and collaboration.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in the national capital Delhi, besides the bilateral summit in Mumbai.
PM Modi will inaugurate the summit on February 19. As many as 20 heads of states, including French President Macron, will be present at the inaugural session, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said.
