Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Thursday said that the state government is planning to add a chapter on Sex Education and HIV/AIDS to the school curriculum from Class 8 to 12 and would soon hold a discussion with the Education Department on this matter.

Dr Saha said this while addressing 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 Dr Saha.

Dr Saha, who is also the Health Minister of the state, added, “If leaders can speak for at least five minutes about this issue during their programmes, it would be really helpful, and people will also remember it.”

“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. 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 girls are also 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 said. He emphasized that the state government has zero tolerance towards drugs.

“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. We are hopeful it will be helpful for students. We must take steps to make youth ambassadors to create awareness against 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 colours,” he added.

During the event, Speaker of 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 were present along with MLAs.