Sex education in Maharashtra will have to wait

The Maharashtra government's proposed move to introduce sex education in higher classes of some schools has run into trouble with Speaker Babasaheb Kupekar on Wednesday staying the implementation of the decision following strong protests from several quarters.

The decision to introduce sex education in Class 9 and 11 in state educational board schools was announced by Education Minister Vasant Purke in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Kupekar issued the directive after the decision evoked strong sentiments from ruling and Opposition members in the House, with Leader of Opposition Ramdas Kadam terming Purke's decision as 'irrational'.

"If the government is going to take such controversial decisions, then parents will have to decide whether to send their children to schools," Kadam said, speaking on an adjournment motion on the issue.

Purke had announced that the government had decided to implement sex education syllabus in ninth and 11th classes, excluding schools following all-India syllabus.

"No action should be taken on this (sex education) till a committee comprising subject experts and legislators discusses all aspects," Kupekar said.

Henceforth, before taking such decisions, educational experts, social activists and legislators should be taken into confidence, he said.

Participating in today's discussion, several legislators flayed Purke, some even went to the extent of seeking his resignation for 'unilaterally' announcing the sex education move.

BJP's Mangalprabhat Lodha, who submitted the adjournment notice, said sex education books were 'objectionable'.

Another member of the party, Shobha Phadanvis, drew the attention of the House to the 'increasing incidents of atrocities on girls by teachers'.

Rajendra Patni, who had raised the issue in the House two years ago, said the state should have a new education minister.  

"Purke has a habit of making controversial statements and should be replaced. Purke had then announced that no decision would be taken on implementing sex education in state schools but on Tuesday, he made a sudden announcement in the Upper House, without taking the legislators into confidence," Patni said.

Kadam also demanded that Purke should be divested of the education portfolio.

"If you don't have enough people, hand over the charge to Revenue Minister Narayan Rane (Shiv Sainik-turned- Congressman)," Kadam said.