[Child Abuse] Jammu & Kashmir HC Seeks Govt's Stand On Suggestion To Mandate Sex Education In Schools, Establish One-Stop Complaint Centres

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has sought government's stand on a series of recommendations put forth by lawyer-activist Meenu Padha in an ongoing suo moto case concerning protection of children from abuse and exploitation in the Union Territory.The recommendations include a suggestion to mandatorily include sex education in school curriculum and to establish one-stop complaint centres to report child abuse.In a hearing held on October 5th, a bench comprising Chief Justice N.Kotiswar Singh and Justice Rajesh Sekhri was informed that Petitioner had submitted certain suggestions for implementation by the concerned authorities which would be beneficial for the interest of children who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.Some of the key recommendations Include:Introduction of Specialized Curriculum: The petitioner advocates for a specialized curriculum focusing on child protection to be implemented in both government and private schools. This curriculum, overseen by an expert committee, aims to sensitize teachers, empower children to report abuse, and establish a protocol for handling complaints.Teacher Training Programs: Comprehensive training programs for teachers and staff to identify, prevent, and address various forms of child abuse, including sexual abuse, coercion, and virtual abuse.Identification of Potential Abusers: Strategies to identify potential abusers, ensuring children's safety both at home and within school premises.Transparent Safeguarding Policy: Schools are urged to establish a transparent safeguarding policy, ensuring confidentiality, reporting mechanisms, and appropriate action against offenders.Establishment of One-Stop Centers: The recommendations include the establishment of One-Stop Centers in nearby areas where individuals, especially victims’ families, can report child abuse complaints without visiting a police station. These centers, staffed with female officers to comfort and support female victims and their parents should provide immediate redressal to some extent to the victims and their families.Community Involvement and Support: Encouraging the active participation of parents, communities, and institutions like Anganwadis and Nukad Natak in raising awareness about child abuse.Reforms and Awareness Initiatives: Recommendations include strengthening economic conditions, mandatory sexual education in schools, and awareness programs to educate citizens about child abuse in all its forms.Accordingly, Court ordered, "Sr. AAG appears for the respondents shall file response to the same by or before the next date of hearing."Advocate Nikhil Padha argued the matter for the petitionerThe matter is listed on November 15.Case Title: Court on Its Own Motion Vs State of J&K

[Child Abuse] Jammu & Kashmir HC Seeks Govt's Stand On Suggestion To Mandate Sex Education In Schools, Establish One-Stop Complaint Centres

Basit Amin Makhdoomi

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