Pune: The state's Women and Child Development (WCD) department has decided to implement a comprehensive and age-appropriate curriculum covering topics like good touch and bad touch, sex education, child rights and duties, and addiction-related issues, online abuse etc. in schools across the state. During a meeting on Wednesday, the department unveiled a series of preventive measures under the Saksham Balak Abhiyan (SBA) to empower children and communities by educating them about their rights, providing clear avenues for help, and fostering a safer environment for children at school and home.
Unannounced school inspections by the Child Welfare Committee, district child protection cell, and task force will commence to safeguard children. The curriculum focuses on teaching children to identify inappropriate behaviour and know their rights from an early age. Initially aimed at students from Std I, the programme will now start in pre-primary classes with lessons on good touch and bad touch tailored to each age group.
It will also tackle social media addiction, online bullying, and pornography. "It is critical to make children aware of the dangers and how to seek help without fear," Prashant Narnaware, state women and child development commissioner said. Narnaware said the department will coordinate with police and other stakeholders to ensure immediate action when abuse cases are reported.
"We want swift responses, and we are reinforcing preventive efforts across childcare institu.