The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all schools affiliated under it to strictly comply with the POCSO Act by taking special measures, to prevent any case of sexual exploitation.
"In order to ensure strict compliance of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, CBSE has taken several initiatives and actions for creating awareness about sexual exploitation among the school children," Rama Sharma, Additional Public Grievance officer of CBSE, said.
The challenges of gender inequality, eve-teasing and sexual abuse in school environment call for increased awareness and creating synergy among parents, teachers and schools, she said.
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The role of schools prescribed by CBSE in this regard focuses on increased awareness of teachers, management and all employees of institutions about the provisions of the POCSO Act. Sections 19(I) and 21 of the Act specify that its their duty to report instances of child abuse.
The schools have also been directed to take steps such as in-house teacher induction sessions for gender sensitisation, promotion of harmonious school and classroom environment and inclusiveness, guidance and counseling facilities, self- defence training to girls, formation of complaint committees and provision of complaints boxes.
The CBSE will also work on a monitoring mechanism to ensure that these initiatives and activities were being taken by the affiliated schools in all seriousness, she said.
For gender sensitivity and equality, CBSE has developed educator's manual and cards on gender sensitive teaching from class I-XII. The manual is designed to be used as a practical guide for making teaching and learning processes gender friendly.
The Board has also introduced modules for trainers including growing up issues, emotion management and gender and social discrimination. It also offers an elective subject at Plus 2 level, Rama added.
