Ramadoss expresses anguish over opposition to sex education

Healthcare :: Ramadoss expresses anguish over opposition to sex education

Expressing anguish over the opposition to sex education, Indian Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said in India people have sex but are not ready to discuss it.

Speaking at a function on the occasion of World Population Day, Ramadoss said those who are objecting to sex education would be the losers at the end.

"In our country, we do sex. But we don't want to talk about it and that is why we have a billion population. In our close-knit society, we have to enlight and create awareness among our children," he told reporters after inaugurating a two-day sensitisation programme on population and health issues.

When asked for his opinion about some states banning sex education, he said states could decide whether they want it or not. "We are not forcing anyone. But they will be the losers if awareness is not created at the right age," he said.

"We are not taking up sex education in a blatant manner, but in a subtle way," Ramadoss said.

He said the Health Ministry has held initial discussions with the Human Resource Development Ministry to introduce health education in all schools.

"This is a concept and we have recommended to the HRD Ministry to make it a mandatory subject to be taught twice a week. It is in its initial stage," he said.

The children will be taught about environmental issues, hygiene, sanitation, yoga, population issue, health topics, like HIV/AIDS and about adopting healthy lifestyle.

"We don't want to create controversy. But we have 55 per cent population that falls in the reproductive age and we have to create awareness among them," he said.