CBSE invites students to debate capital punishment

New Delhi, Aug 24: CBSE has invited students from across the country to join a debate on capital punishment, weeks after Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon's hanging reignited the issue.

As part of plans to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar and organise mock parliamentary debates, the Central Board of School Examination (CBSE) has also suggested themes such as the country's need for a "uniform civil code which is both secular and non-sexist".

'Capital punishment is unjust and degrading' -- is one such suggested theme along with other topics such as "whether promoting consumerism has negatively impacted the quality of life in the country".

"Students of class XI and XII are eligible to participate in the debate," said a communication sent to all CBSE affiliated schools, noting that school heads along with their teachers and students could visit the Parliament or state Assembly to watch the debates.

The year-long celebrations to mark Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The invite to the students to participate in debates especially on capital punishment comes at a time when Memon's hanging has triggered afresh the debate over the need to abolish capital punishment.

Critics have questioned whether his death has served any purpose for the country while the supporters are of the view that his hanging has served justice for families who have lost their loved ones in the Mumbai terror attacks.

PTI