Vinod Tawde bats for health not sex education

As sex education has begun to be perceived as a controversial subject, the state government is considering using a toned down version, ‘adolescent health education’, instead in schools. State education minister Vinod Tawde on Thursday announced that a committee would be set up to suggest ways to prevent the sexual exploitation of girl students in schools and colleges. The government is apparently mulling over setting up CCTV networks in all schools along with introducing ‘adolescent health education’.

While speaking in the Legislative Council, Mr Tawde expressed concern about the increasing number of cases of assaults on women. He also pointed out that a significant number of victims of such crimes are students.

“It is a worrying matter and therefore we need to have a comprehensive solution for it. For this, a committee of psychologists, women members of the state Legislature and principals of schools and junior colleges shall be set up. The committee will give us a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of girls in educational institutes,” the minister said.

Replying to a starred question raised by Congress’ Subhash Zambad on the installation of CCTV cameras in schools and junior colleges in rural Maharashtra, Mr Tawde said, “The installation of CCTV cameras in the premises of schools and junior colleges is not the only solution. It is equally important to impart adolescent health education.”

He added: “If we say that sex education will be provided in schools, then it becomes controversial. So we do not want sex education, but adolescent health education can be imparted to school children, which will also educate them about sexual assaults.”

The minister also said that off late, incidents of atrocities against girl students in Ahmednagar and other parts of the state are increasing. “The committee will dwell upon how girl students can be kept safe inside the premises of schools and junior colleges,” he said.

Mr Tawde further said that a committee was earlier set up under Justice Dharmadhikari to prevent atrocities on women. “The committee had recommended the installation of CCTV cameras in schools and junior college premises,” he said.

“But the installation of CCTV cameras is not a preventive measure unless you have a mechanism to continuously monitor the CCTV output. The footage is often used as evidence after the crime,” Mr Tawde added.

The minister also pointed out in the Legislative Council that there are 67,484 schools run by civic bodies in Maharashtra and it would require an investment of '1,186 crore to install CCTV cameras in all these schools. He, however, also clarified that the funds would never be a problem when it comes to resolving issues like the safety of girl students in the state.