Read the original order here: [PDF]

Rajasthan High Court’s Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand has taken suo moto cognizance of the welfare and future of “Generation Z, Generation Alpha and Generation Beta,” directing the Centre and State to file comprehensive action plans on AI and digital technology integration and screen-time limits, while expressing concern over how AI is changing children’s learning behaviour. 

The Court registered the matter as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) titled: “Suo Moto: In the matter of Welfare and Future of Generation Gen-Z, Gen-Alpha and Gen-Beta.”

HC on how AI and technology are changing children’s learning behaviour: The HC noted that the young children’s use of and dependence on technology and AI could change the way children learn, understand or interact with educational material. The Court highlighted the urgency of reframing education policy; Some key observations in the order include: 

•  “The skill of handwriting and manual writing may become extinct.”
•  “The habit of reading physical books and developing comprehension through written text may be lost.”
• “Students may become entirely dependent on speech-to-text technology, AI-generated content and print-outs, thereby eroding independent thought processes, analytical ability and original writing skills.”
• “The cognitive development that arises from reading, writing by hand and contemplation by oneself may be stunted.”

The HC therefore suggested providing ‘smart classrooms, computers, internet connectivity and digital literacy training in all village schools to equip Generations Z, Alpha and Beta for the future.

“This Court is conscious that while technological advancement is the need of hour, an unbridled and exclusive dependence on technology in the field of education may also have irreversible consequences…  Technology is to be a tool and an aid, not a substitute for human intellect.” – Rajasthan High Court (Jodhpur)

The Court also sought a policy to regulate the screentime of children:  “Too much use of digital devices stops their mental development. They are forgetting how to read, learn and write. They are shifting from the practice of speaking to texting,” noted the HC. 

The Court invoked the World Health Organization’s 2019 guidelines, which define screen time as passive viewing of TV, computers, or mobile devices. While emphasizing that interactive, non-screen activities like reading, storytelling, singing, and puzzles are vital for healthy child development, WHO recommends the following screen time limits for young children: 

• Zero screen time for infants under one year.
• Less than one hour daily for children aged 1–4.

How Rajasthan HC defined the various age groups: 

•  Gen-Z (born 1997–2012): “The key trait of this generation is that they are digital natives.”
•  Gen-Alpha, the AI generation (born 2013–2025): “This generation is also known as ‘the AI Generation’. They have grown up with Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) technology since their birth.”
•  Gen-Beta, the Automation generation (born 2025–2039): “Also known as ‘Automation Generation’. Their birth years fall between 2025 and 2039. This generation will grow up with AI assistants, robotics, climate change and space exploration as normal day-to-day things.”

The Court expressed concern that while the nation prepares these generations “to lead India in 2047 and beyond,” government schools, especially in rural and village areas, lack “basic infrastructure, training, newly emerging technology, etc.”

“In today’s day and age when the threat of AI taking over entry-level jobs, data privacy, so also cyber bullying and fraud, there is a need for AI literacy, strong data protection law implementation, and cyber safety education. “ –  Rajasthan HC

On recent paper leaks: The Court noted that “Generation Z is facing grave difficulties due to repeated paper leaks,” which are “adversely affecting both their present academic performance and future prospects.” It demanded a “foolproof and robust mechanism” to safeguard digital and physical examination integrity.

HC calls for Gig Workers Welfare Board, health cover and easier loans: ”Gen Z prefers freelancing/creator economy/startups over the regular 9-to-5, but there is no social security, PF, health cover for gig workers. This necessitates the creation of a Gig Workers Welfare Board, security code implementation, and easy startup loan procedures.”

To ensure accountability and ongoing oversight, the HC directed Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the District Collectors to respond within eight weeks. The Court also suggested constituting a “Generation Z, Alpha and Beta Monitoring Cell” under the Chief Secretary, which will be responsible for reviewing progress every three months and submitting quarterly reports to the Court.

On food safety: Apart from how AI and tech can change the children’s learning patterns, the HC also took note of food habits that will impact the children. The Court took note of the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in Schools) Regulations, 2020, and sought: 

• Ban on food high in fat, sugar, or salt within 50 meters from the school gate across all directions.
• Traffic-light-style calorie labelling on menu boards and mandatory availability of fresh, nutritious and balanced food in school canteens.
• A School Food Safety and Nutrition Committee in every school. 

The HC’s observations on food safety come amid concerns over food-safety compliance at restaurants, e-commerce platforms and quick-commerce companies, which are facing food safety concerns, including the suspension of FSSAI licences in some instances. 

In this context, MediaNama is organizing a briefing call on “Trust in Ecommerce” on September 2. Register for the call here. 

Explore MediaNama’s coverage of Delhi and Bengaluru discussion, “Age Verification and Restricting Social Media for Children” here. 

Also Read: