Rajasthan HC takes suo motu cognisance of paper leaks, education-job gap, mental heath of youth

The Rajasthan High Court has taken a suo motu cognisance to look into the concerns over education, health, safety and future of Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta generations, the Bar and Bench reported.

Stating that the three generations would be responsible for shaping the country in the coming years, the Rajasthan HC said that the state must ensure their preparation to meet the obstacles of a fast growing technological and social environment, the report said.

“Children are the future of a nation because they grow up to become its workforce, leaders and caretakers. How we, as a nation, care, teach and protect them today will decide the strength, safety and success of our country tomorrow. They are flowers of our national garden and it is our prime duty to protect these flowers,” the court said in the report.

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Submit report on plans to tackle paper leaks: Rajasthan HC to govt

The court has listed out points for the government and asked them to address them for the sake of children, and youth, the report read.

The challenges identified by the court include repeated exam paper leaks, the gap between education and employment, mental health concerns, among others related to economy, climate change and cyber security via AI, the report added.

Furthermore, the court has also asked the government to come up with a policy to limit screen time, citing concerns over the effect of excessive digital-device use on sleep, concentration, social skills and children's ability to read, learn and write, the report said.

The government should have to submit reports and action plans on a “foolproof and robust mechanism” to prevent paper leaks, curriculum reforms in AI, data and green skills, apprenticeships and industry-linked internships, accessible mental-health counselling and action to address digital burnout, among other issues, the court said in the report.

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'GenZ, Gen Alpha, Gen Beta to lead India in 2047'

In addition, the court has also pulled up the administration over the condition of government schools in rural areas, the report read further.

“This Court is deeply concerned that where on the one hand, the nation prepares “Gen Z”, “Gen Alpha” and “Gen Beta” to lead India in 2047 (i.e., 100 years of Independence of our Nation) and beyond, on the other hand, the foundational institutions meant to nurture them, particularly the Government Schools in Rural and Village areas continue to suffer from systemic deficiencies,” it added.

It has also sought measures to fill vacant posts of teachers, principals and wardens, recruiting computer teachers and counsellors, providing smart classrooms and internet connectivity, and improving healthcare, toilets, drinking water, electricity, playgrounds and sports facilities, it read.

It also asked to install CCTV cameras and ensure female staff, girl students safety, the report added.

The court has also directed the state to ensure that carbonated drinks, chips, bakery items containing trans-fat and other high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods are not sold in schools in violation of the regulations, as per the report.