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 institutions, hostels, and schools," he added. The campaign will have in-person training, animated videos and other digital resources to help communicate sensitive topics in a child-friendly manner. These resources and the curriculum will be available on the WCD's official website.
The state has high hopes that the programme will work. "We are working with education, social justice, tribal, and Bahujan Kalyan departments to implement this curriculum in all schools by next week. The goal is to create a safe and informed generation of children," Narnaware said.
Initiatives On The Ground Anganwadi workers will be trained to help mothers recognise signs of abuse and take timely action The WCD plans to organise mother-teacher meetings to increase awareness among both boys and girls about abuse Saksham Balak Abhiyan will include Balika Panchayats and Kishori groups to raise awareness among adolescent girls.
