The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has told the Kerala High Court that awareness of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) would be made part of the school curriculum from the next academic year onwards.
The counsel for the SCERT informed the matter when explaining the progress in a case before the Court to assess and rectify the specific issue of cases being registered against teenagers who unwittingly commit crimes punishable under the POCSO Act.
The Court was also informed that text books would be prepared by experts giving due importance and sensitivity to this issue.
"It was also assured on behalf of SCERT that awareness about POCSO will be made part of the curriculum with effect from the academic year 2024-2025 positively for standards I, III, V, VI, VIII and IX while that for standards II, IV, VII and X will be implemented from the academic year 2025-2026," a statement read.
The Court also noted that after the curriculum is revised, workshops will have to be conducted for teachers.
During a previous hearing of the case, the Court had strongly rebuked the state government for delaying the implementation of its orders to create and include in school curricula, a prevention-oriented programme on sexual abuse.
US Congress to certify Trump winner of 2024 election
The US Congress on Monday will certify President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the November 2024 election, peacefully wrapping up a ritual his supporters had tried to prevent in 2021 in the misleading belief that he had been cheated of a win.
Enrolment of new women voters in Tripura higher than of men: Officials
Enrolment of new women voters in Tripura, at 2,166, has been more than that of new male voters, leading to an increase of the gender ratio to 993 in the final electoral rolls from 991 of the draft electoral rolls, officials said here on Monday.
Beginning of the end for Trudeau and his vindictive anti-India politics
The ties between India and Canada soured after Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament last year that he has "credible allegations" of India's hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India prepared to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges: J.P. Nadda on HMPV
India’s surveillance network remains vigilant and the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Monday, as the number of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country reached five in a single day.
Justin Trudeau to step down as Canadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau on Monday announced that he will step down as the Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal leader once his party has chosen a new leader.
Glad to know about Microsoft's ambitious expansion, investment plans in India: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella on Monday, said he was glad to know about the tech giant’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India.
Sullivan meets NSA Doval, highlights US efforts to bolster civil nuclear cooperation with India
US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan on Monday emphasised efforts of the outgoing Biden administration in finalising necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities to promote civil nuclear cooperation and resilient clean energy supply chains.
Two children test positive for HMPV in Chennai, recovering
Two children in Chennai have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and are recovering, officials said on Monday. Doctors stated that both cases are linked to common respiratory symptoms such as fever, cold, and cough.