Posted: Date Posted – 09:55, Tue – 30 Aug 22
(File photo) The Kerala government is planning to include the study of certain laws as part of the school curriculum so that children are aware of their rights and how to protect them.
Thiruvananthapuram: The government of Kerala is planning to include the study of certain laws, such as those related to the use of narcotics, environmental pollution, cyber crimes and crimes against women, as part of the school curriculum so that children are aware of their rights and how to protect them.
State General Education Minister V Sivankutty said that currently constitutional rights, principles and duties are taught in high school but there is a need to teach children not only their rights but also how to protect them.
He said that in order to make children responsible and upright citizens of tomorrow, it was necessary to include the study of certain laws as part of their education.
The minister was responding to a submission by CPI MLA VR Sunil Kumar to the state assembly on Monday that schoolchildren should be made aware of various laws, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO), the on prevention of damage to public property and legal provisions against dowry and drug use.
He argued that these laws and the penalties provided under them for various offenses should be taught to school children from high school onwards so that by the time they graduate from grade 12 they know what is legal and what is not.
Agreeing with Sunil Kumar’s suggestion, the minister said the school education policy is undergoing consolidated reform and public discussions will be held to invite views on what all should be included in the Course of Study.
As part of the process, the inclusion of the study of law in education policy would also be considered, Sivankutty said.
