Sex, text, politics of Maharashtra

TAKE OUR WORD: Teachers say the curriculum is less about sex and more about education.

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Keywords: Schools, Government

Mumbai: The decision of the Maharashtra government to impose a ban on sex education in all schools has not gone down well with the students.

"I think it’s really silly because if you think its going to seal their exposure to sex that's not going to work. They're going to be more curious,” says a student Karishma Shah.

Another student of a Mumbai school, Viral Parikh adds, “It shows the narrow mindedness of the government.”

The students reflect the mature outlook of a young India, wanting to be informed about the facts of life. But unfortunately it's the opinion of a minority, as the previous generation does not want to talk about it.

“It should be banned. This is not America or London, our children are not like that,” says a parent, Abhay Jain

And it's this voice that's been reflected in the Assembly with politicians tearing up copies of the CBSE textbook objecting to use of graphic illustrations.

"The Education Minister has to admit that it was best to ban sex educations in all schools across Maharashtra,” says Minister of State for School Education, Hasan Mushrif.

However, according to teachers, the government needs to understand that the curriculum is less about sex and more about education.

"The parent's usually have objection to the word sex, and maybe policymakers should understand this and act accordingly,” says Headmistress, Shanti Niketan High School, Thane, Snehalata Devi.

And though four state governments have banned a curriculum recommended by the Union government, the Union HRD Minister, Arjun Singh refuses to bite the bait.

"There has been some difference of opinion. We will sort it out in a meeting,” he says.

So if the matter isn't addressed quickly for another generation, sex could be an issue that's discussed only in the dark.