Ranchi: A decision to roll out the ‘Gender-Sensitive and Inclusive School Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)’ in all govt schools across Jharkhand was taken at a workshop held earlier last week. The SOP aims to create a safe, equal and discrimination-free learning environment for students.JCERT gender component in charge Ashwini Kant Mishra said directives will be issued this week to DSEs and DEOs to distribute the manual to school headmasters for implementation. “The core aim of this SOP is to transform schools into safe, inclusive spaces where every child, irrespective of gender, can learn with dignity. This manual is not just a book—it is a tool for mindset transformation. Children must not merely read about equality; they must experience it in their classrooms, behaviour, and daily lives,” he said.The four-day residential workshop was hosted by JCERT last week, with two faculty members from every DIET across the state participating. Prepared by JCERT and structured into four modules, the SOP focuses on gender-sensitive teaching, positive language, open dialogue and community participation to prevent discrimination, violence and harmful gender norms.JCERT deputy director Sunil Kumar said, “Gender equality is the soul of the National Education Policy. Real societal transformation will begin when teachers embed equality into their everyday classroom instruction.”JCERT deputy director Vindhyachal Pandey said, “This manual is activity-based, designed to be lived rather than memorized. Children learn far better when gender concepts are taught through play. Education must go beyond imparting knowledge to build empathetic, responsible citizens who uphold human dignity.”JCERT Deputy Secretary Jaywanti Devgam said, “To empower our daughters, teachers must first cultivate sensitivity within themselves. This training marks a landmark step by JCERT towards true empowerment.”ICRW provided technical support for SOP development, curriculum development, training and rollout plan. Dr Nasreen Jamal, associate director at ICRW, said, “Having successfully partnered with Jharkhand’s education department on gender equity programmes in Jamtara and Godda, we are now expanding this proven approach statewide.”
