Rajasthan High Court takes suo motu cognizance of welfare of Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta

The Rajasthan High Court on Monday suo motu initiated a public interest litigation (PIL) to examine issues concerning the education, health, safety and future of children and youngsters belonging to Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta generations [IN RE: “In the matter of Welfare and Future of Generation Gen-Z, Gen-Alpha and Gen-Beta”]..Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand held that three generations would be responsible for leading the country in the coming years.Underlining the broader responsibility towards children, the Court stated that the State must ensure they are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing technological and social environment.“Children are 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,” observed the Court..The Court said governments needed to address a range of challenges facing Gen Z. These challenges include:Repeated examination paper leaks; The gap between education and employment; Mental-health concerns; Insecurity in the gig economy; High living and housing costs; Climate anxiety; Lack of political and policy representation; Cyber safety and disruption caused by AI..The Court called for 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.It further directed the Central and Rajasthan government to submit status reports and action plans on the issues identified by it, including:a “foolproof and robust mechanism” to prevent examination paper leaks;curriculum reforms incorporating AI, data and green skills; apprenticeships and industry-linked internships;accessible mental-health counselling and measures to address digital burnout;social-security measures for gig workers;affordable housing and education-loan reforms;greater youth participation in policymaking; andAI literacy, data protection and cyber-safety education..Additionally, the Court also flagged the condition of government schools, particularly in rural and village areas.“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,” said the Court..It sought measures including filling 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 also sought CCTV cameras and female staff for the safety of girl students..The Court also took suo motu note of the alleged failure to effectively implement the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in Schools) Regulations, 2020, despite the regulations having been in force for more than six years.Till further orders, the State has been directed 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. It further directed strict enforcement of the restriction on sale of HFSS food in school canteens or within 50 metres of school gates, with monthly inspections by District Magistrates and Block Education Officers..The Court also directed schools to constitute food safety and nutrition committees, display calorie and nutritional information in canteens and create a mechanism for reporting violations.The Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and District Collectors have been directed to conduct surprise inspections of government schools in villages within eight weeks. The State has also been asked to constitute a “Generation Z, Alpha and Beta Monitoring Cell” under the Chief Secretary to review progress every three months..The Court issued show-cause notices to the Centre, Rajasthan government, FSSAI and the Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and directed them to file status reports and action plans. The matter will be heard again after eight weeks..The Court also appointed advocates to assist it in the proceedings.Senior Advocates Ravi Bhansali, Sachin Acharya and Vikas Balia were asked to assist on behalf of Gen Z.Advocates Pankaj Sharma, Priyanka Borana, Naman Mahnot and Avin Chhangani were appointed for Gen Alpha. Advocates Aditi Mod, Akshiti Singhvi, Nidhi Singhvi and Abhilasha Bora were appointed to assist on behalf of Gen Beta.Additional Solicitor General Bharat Vyas and Rajasthan Advocate General Rajendra Prasad were asked to appear for the Union and State governments, respectively..[Read Order]