Expressing concern over the slow progress of various projects aimed at eliminating gender discrimination in the country, a parliamentary committee on Empowerment of Women today recommended putting in place such syllabus which will make students sensitive towards women issues.
"Gender prejudice in the country has led to several social and economic constraints. The most painful devaluation of women is the physical and psychological violence that stalks them from cradle to grave and in areas like access to nutrition, child care, education, work, etc.," the committee said in its report that was tabled in Lok Sabha today.
"The committee thus recommend that such a syllabus is put in place which makes the student sensitive towards women issues," said the report.
The committee noted that gender sensitisation is one of the important aspects for attaining the intended objectives of universalisation, inclusion, equity and quality in education for the girl child in the country.
It also emphasised that co-educational system should be introduced in all schools from the elementary level so as to encourage a caring and harmonious relationship between boys and girls.
For achieving the objectives of gender sensitisation, the committee asked the government to chalk out modalities to introduce a pragmatic and result oriented teachers training module as well as need-based refresher course.
The committee also expressed their displeasure on the pathetic conditions of the toilets and drinking water facilities in schools.
"No sincere efforts are being made for maintenance of infrastructure and workability of drinking water and toilet facilities in the schools," said the committee, suggesting a detailed survey to assess the conditions of toilets and infrastructure in schools.
The committee also recommended that annual grant for maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure being provided under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan should also be appropriately re-worked keeping in view the inflationary trends in the country.
