CBSE to introduce an elective course in human rights and gender studies in its schools

Updated on: Saturday, January 05, 2013

Responding to the growing concern over the lack of gender sensitization among the youth, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) plans to introduce an elective course in human rights and gender studies in its schools from the coming academic session.

The move comes weeks after the Delhi gang-rape has jolted the country with demands of rigorous training and sensitization among men and women. The course will be available in all CBSE-affiliated schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, in the country and abroad. The subject will be made available for students of class XI and XII. CBSE had already prepared a blueprint of the syllabus for the subject, which will be available for students from the 2013 session.

The National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC) had also pressed for the inclusion of human rights education in the school curriculum taking note of the worsening human rights situation of children.

HRD sources said the National Curriculum Framework of 2005 has also flagged off gender concerns and recommended that these be addressed in terms of making the perspectives of women integral to the discussion of any historical event and contemporary concern.

The PMO is also understood to have written to the HRD ministry to include chapters on value education in textbooks so that gender sensitivity and respect for women is taught. The concerns come on the back of several representations to the PMO on the issue.

Recently, the CBSE had even brought out a handbook on value education for teachers, guiding them to impart values through innovative means including use of meaningful cinema and books. The Board has also made counseling service compulsory in its affiliated schools and is collecting data to broad-base and streamline services.

Until recently, the counseling service was provided on a voluntary basis by the schools and the board free of cost, twice a year, to help students cope with the examination stress. The board has asked the affiliated schools to furnish details like the number of counselors, student strength, counselors' qualifications, adherence to norms, and impact in the previous year and suggestions on areas to focus.

CBSE to introduce an elective course in human rights and gender studies in its schools

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