Manish Sisodia may have his heart in the right place but his recent remarks are ill-advised.

Media reports quoted the Delhi Education Minister as saying on Sunday that Delhi schools must “guarantee” that boys do not turn out to be rapists.

Excuse me? Can anyone ensure what anyone else may do – more so in a democracy? If we could – petty crime would end, rape and murder would end, and we would all be living happily ever after.

Sisodia is right in suggesting that schools have a big role in instilling values in a child. But look at the reality. Government data in 2011 showed that in Delhi, over one lakh children (especially from the ages of 6-14) don’t attend school regularly. Can schools then be blamed for their students’ conduct?

Also, by pointing the finger at schools lets other societal forces off the hook such as parents, “employers” – Delhi is still a city of child labour – and the government.

The state is responsible under the Right to Education Act for children going to school and staying there. But by focusing on schools Sisodia has, inadvertently or otherwise, washed away the state’s responsibility.

There is of course much that schools can do. Discussions about sex education, and what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour, are something that must be taught from a very early age. But schools cannot do this alone, because they rightly fear a backlash from conservative parents.

This is where Sisodia and the government have to step in. At the risk of making themselves unpopular, the government must firmly back schools and explain to parents just why sex education is necessary. It will be hard going, but it can be done.

The polio vaccination drive is an example of what the government can do, if it really wants to.

AAP came to power with a promise to get things done. Taking care of our children might be the best way to start.