(1)That State shall endeavour to promote holistic education. Universal application of joyful learning processes should be ensured.(2)The State accepts the concept of zero rejection for children. No child shall therefore be denied admission to any school on any ground including that the name of the father is not available; the absence of relevant documentation; the child is suffering from HIV or AIDS; belongs to marginalized communities; suffers from any illness or that the child is differently abled.(3)[Counselling facilities by trained personnel shall be provided to the child in all schools] [Substituted by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].];(4)All schools [shall preferably include] [Substituted in place of 'shall include' by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].] child rights and gender justice in their curriculum and at least 48 hours of instruction every year shall be exclusively devoted to teaching and discussing all matters related to these. The duties of the child should also be discussed during these sessions. This will apply to all students from Standard V and above.(5)The school curriculum [shall preferably also include] [Substituted in place of words 'shall also include' by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].] health awareness including malaria, AIDS, personal hygiene, nutrition, family life education, communicable diseases, alcoholism, substance abuse, [sexuality education,] [Inserted by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].] etc. irrespective of the stream of education. This will apply to all students from Standard V and above.(6)Health applied education towards holistic health shall be [preferably] [Substituted in place of words 'compulsorily' by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].] included in all schools with, among other things, yoga, pranayama and meditation, in the physical education curriculum. This will apply to all students.(7)All schools shall have [* * *] [The words 'elected Students Councils or any other' omitted by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].] mechanism such as School Parliament to foster participatory democratic processes. This will apply to all students from Standard VIII and above.(8)The Government [shall strive to work] [Substituted in place of words 'shall work' by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].] towards the goal of universal elementary education and eradication of child illiteracy within a period of [seven years] [In place of words 'three years' substituted by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].] from the commencement of this Act. The State shall prepare a comprehensive Plan of Action for achieving this which may include provision for alternate schooling including non-formal education, vocational and livelihood- skills training, and shall create the necessary infrastructure and an enabling environment in order to realise the goal.(9)The State shall lay down guidelines for early childhood care and education and for all pre-school educational institutions for children, including registration and regulation of standards.(10)Every school shall have safe drinking water, toilet facilities and adequate physical infrastructure [including barrier free access] [Inserted by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].].(11)Every school shall be equipped with appropriate and adequate teaching aids.(12)Corporal punishment is banned in all schools.(13)The State shall, in the manner prescribed, provide support to all children with disabilities and challenges.(14)A participatory evaluation and learning process rather than the exam system based on learning by rote and ensuring that all children have attained minimum levels of learning should be evolved.(15)[ Any contravention or non-adherence of the provisions of this section shall be dealt with by the Competent Authority only and shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to Rs. 50,000/-.] [Inserted by Goa Children's (Amendment) Act, 2005 [Act No. 20 of 2005].]
