Tripura to introduce sex education and HIV/AIDS awareness from class 8

The Tripura government is preparing to introduce a chapter on sex education and HIV/AIDS in the school curriculum for students of classes 8 to 12.

Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha made the announcement while speaking at an awareness meeting organized by the AIDS Control Society in the lobby of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, in the presence of members of the Tripura Legislative Forum on HIV/AIDS.

“Such discussions are necessary, as questions are often raised inside the Assembly, which we discuss. We must come together to eliminate HIV/AIDS and fight against it. We must handle this tactfully. However, due to screening, we are getting to know how many people are affected with HIV/AIDS. During the COVID situation, we also had to conduct such screenings,” said Saha.

He said a meeting with the Education Department would be held soon to take the proposal forward.

Saha, who also holds the health portfolio, urged public figures to raise the issue more frequently in public forums.

“If leaders can speak for at least five minutes about this issue during their programs, it would be really helpful, and people will also remember it,” he said.

He noted that HIV/AIDS cases are increasing in the state and highlighted the role of drug trafficking, especially given Tripura’s international border with Bangladesh.

“HIV/AIDS is increasing. We share borders with Bangladesh, and drugs also come into the state. If we are aware of it and can create massive awareness among people by highlighting the reasons behind HIV/AIDS, we can make a difference. We are planning to include a chapter on sex education and HIV/AIDS from Class 8 to 12 in the curriculum,” said Saha.

“We will discuss the matter with the Education Department. There is no issue—this is very necessary. When we speak openly on this subject, such problems can be addressed. Funds from MLAs can be collected for HIV/AIDS patients. Not only boys but also girls are affected. We must take steps to involve more boys and girls in sports, cultural affairs, and other activities so that we can free them from drug addiction and HIV/AIDS,” he added.

Saha reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance approach to drugs, citing a steep rise in enforcement.

“Compared to 2023, drug seizures in 2024 have increased by 106%, and destruction of seized drugs has increased by 132%. All public representatives should get involved in the fight against the drug menace. In India, Tripura is the first state where Red Ribbon Clubs were introduced in schools,” he said.

“We are hopeful it will be helpful for students. We must take steps to empower youth as ambassadors who will create awareness about drug abuse. We need to identify the main reasons why the HIV/AIDS graph is rising. We should not politicize the issue—this is a virus, and viruses do not see political colors,” he added.

The event was attended by Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly Biswabandhu Sen, Deputy Speaker Ramprasad Paul, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Chief Whip Kalyani Saha Roy, DGP Anurag, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, and several MLAs.