In an effort to emphasize the significance of cleanliness and child protection regulations, the Kerala government has unveiled a plan to include teachings on scientific waste management and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the school curriculum starting from the next academic year.

This initiative, announced by State General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, seeks to impart knowledge on sustainable waste management and promote awareness of the POCSO Act, with the aim of nurturing a well-informed and responsible future generation.

The General Education Minister made this announcement during a ceremony held at the SMV Government Higher Secondary School to commemorate the 77th Independence Day.

The incorporation of waste management education into the curriculum is considered crucial in tackling Kerala's waste management challenges, as stated by the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP).

During his address, Minister Sivankutty lauded the contributions of the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS), highlighting that they represent more than just a waste removal team but serve as a model of collective action and empowerment. He emphasized the crucial role played by women in this initiative.

As part of the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign, the minister conferred certificates upon the trained 'Green Technicians,' who are members of HKS, thereby officially recognizing their specialized skills in handling technical aspects of waste management.

Kerala is taking steps to enhance children's awareness of the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in response to a concerning rise in child sexual offenses. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas of the Kerala High Court, during a bail application hearing, underscored the need for children to be educated about their rights in this context.

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has initiated the process of integrating lessons about the POCSO Act into the curriculum. The SCERT plans to collaborate with experts to develop textbooks that sensitively convey the significance of this issue.

The introduction of these lessons is scheduled for the academic year 2024-2025, starting with specific classes (Classes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9), with the remaining classes (Classes 2, 4, 7, and 10) to follow in the academic year 2025-2026.

The court commended the efforts of the state government, SCERT, and KELSA in addressing awareness of the POCSO Act among children.