Tripura CM mulls sex education in Class VIII-XII curriculum

Agartala: Tripura CM
on Friday said the state govt is considering the introduction of sex education in the curriculum for students in Classes VIII to XII.
Speaking at the legislative forum in the state assembly, Saha emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, "We are considering incorporating sex education and HIV/AIDS awareness in the school curriculum in Class VIII-XII.
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This is not a matter of controversy, it is a necessity." He also encouraged community involvement, suggesting that MLAs could allocate funds to support HIV/AIDS patients.
Saha highlighted the equal impact of HIV/AIDS on both boys and girls and stressed the importance of engaging youth in sports, cultural activities, and other creative pursuits to steer them away from drug addiction and reduce their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.
He said Tripura was the first state in India to introduce Red Ribbon Clubs in schools and plans to create youth ambassadors to lead campaigns against drug abuse.
Expressing concern over the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases and injecting drug users, particularly among teenagers, Saha said an average of 120 new HIV infections are reported each month in the state, despite preventive efforts by the state AIDS Control Society.
In response to a proposal by Congress legislator Sudip Roybarman, the chief minister supported the idea of adding a dedicated chapter on sex education and HIV/AIDS to the school curriculum to raise awareness among the most vulnerable age group.
Additionally, he suggested that each MLA could allocate Rs 1 lakh per year from their area development fund for initiatives against drugs and HIV.

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