I was sensitised to the dangers of prolonged exposure to asbestos for children by scientists and activists working in this arena. Asbestos is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, and over 65 countries have implemented bans on its use. As Union Minister of State for Education, I am committed to working with state governments to ban its use in school infrastructure. Safe learning environments are non-negotiable. In this regard, the Ministry of Education has issued guidelines to ban use of asbestos in any new construction or refurbishment of school infrastructure in all the KVs and JNVs across India. I hope this starts a movement to gradually phase out asbestos use throughout the country and we build a healthier and cancer-free nation for our children!