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Supreme Court Issues Powerful Demand
Supreme Court Issues Powerful Demand : The debate on gender inclusivity in education has once again reached the Supreme Court. On Monday, the apex court sought a response from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) over allegations of failing to implement its earlier directive to include comprehensive gender education (CSE) in school curricula.
The PIL That Sparked the Case
Supreme Court Issues Powerful Demand:
The matter came before the bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, which issued notices after hearing arguments from senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan. The plea was filed by Kavya Mukherjee Saha, a Class XII student of Vasant Valley School, who pointed out that despite a one-year-old Supreme Court directive, textbooks across several states continue to exclude structured lessons on gender identity, sexual diversity, and the difference between sex and gender.
Kavya stated that she compared school textbooks from different states and found that comprehensive sexuality and gender education was either missing or inadequately covered, even though the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 mandates awareness and inclusivity.
States Under the Scanner
Apart from NCERT and SCERTs, the court has also sought responses from Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These states, according to the petitioner, have not introduced examinable and structured content that could help students understand gender inclusivity in a scientific and age-appropriate manner.
Why Gender Inclusivity in Education Matters
NCERT and SCERT
The push for gender education is not just a legal mandate but also a social necessity. Studies worldwide show that inclusive education reduces stigma, promotes equality, and creates safe spaces for children of diverse gender identities. By excluding structured lessons on sexual diversity and gender rights, schools risk reinforcing stereotypes and leaving young learners uninformed.
Experts argue that comprehensive gender education can:
- Build awareness and empathy among students.
- Address issues of bullying and discrimination.
- Align educational content with constitutional values of equality and dignity.
- Ensure compliance with the 2019 Transgender Rights Act.
The Supreme Court’s Role
This is not the first time the Supreme Court has stepped in to promote gender inclusivity. Earlier judgments, including the landmark 2014 NALSA judgment, recognized transgender persons as a third gender and emphasized the need for social acceptance. With its latest intervention, the apex court is expected to ensure that these rights are reflected in school education systems across India.
Looking Ahead
The case could mark a turning point for India’s education sector. If NCERT, SCERT, and state governments implement the court’s directions effectively, schoolchildren may soon have access to structured, examinable, and inclusive lessons on gender identity and diversity. This step would not only bring India in line with global educational practices but also strengthen the values of equality, inclusivity, and human dignity enshrined in the Constitution.
