Classes to start only for Class IX students of BMC-run schools from new academic yr; experts urge inclusion of lower classes as well.In a move to keep up with the needs of the changing times, BMC is all set to start classes on sex education for Class IX students from the next academic year.According to the decision taken by the BMC, its medical officer (for schools), in coordination with the Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS), will conduct special sessions for students of BMC-run schools. This decision was made public by the BMC administration while replying to a query made by Shiv Sena corporator Sheetal Mhatre.“Sessions will be conducted separately for girls and boys. Students will be explained how to take care to avoid sexual exploitation and what to do in case one faces such a situation,” said a BMC agenda list circulated among media persons ahead of an education committee meeting scheduled to be held on November 26.In earlier meetings of the education committee, members had demanded that modules on health and reproduction should be introduced into the curriculum for civic school students of the age group between 12 and 19 years.It was in this meeting that Mhatre demanded that the BMC administration should publish a statement on its policy to educate school students on the challenges they may have to face in society and later in their lives.“The BMC should have introduced sex education for students of Classes VII and VIII. But beginning with Class IX is also a good move. I will discuss the issue with the concerned administration on how such education can be introduced for students of lower classes as well,” Mhatre added.But the civic administration in its reply further clarified that girls studying in Classes VI to IX of civic schools are already being given lessons on the physiological changes in them.Meanwhile, experts have welcomed the civic decision. A L Sharada, director of an NGO called Population First said, “It is very important to have such education. But everything is dependent on the trainers who teach. Unless the trainers are equipped to communicate properly, without getting embarrassed or making the students feel embarrassed, the education will not reap any benefits.”Ritu Tawde, Education committee chairman, had mixed reactions to the BMC decision. "Sex education should be started earlier -- at least from Class VII. But as head of the committee, I still welcome the civic body’s move as something is better than nothing," she said.