96,000 girl students to get lessons in self-defence

The state government has decided to make judo, karate and taekwondo training compulsory for standard IX and X girl students of municipal schools. The decision will benefit over 96,000 girl students, including around 8,000 girls from Pune district, from the state’s 1,400 schools. .

According to the state government’s decision, every girl student has to undergo at least 20-hour training within a span of 10 days. Each student will be given a certificate after the completion of the course.

In a recent government resolution, it has been stated that schools should rope in some reputed institute or coach to train girls.

“Several incidents are reported in which minor girls are becoming victims of sexual assaults. These victims of physical or sexual violence suffer deep trauma and often drop out of school,” said BK Dahiphale, the education officer.

He said that girl students will be given basic training in self-defence and schools are expected to take the training further and can add martial arts and other techniques. The officials believe that the training will boost the confidence of girls and help them protect themselves in case of trouble.
Dahiphale said that the school will be given Rs450 per girl student to cover training.

“The amount needs to be spent on remuneration of the coach, training arrangements, refreshments, photographs, awards and certificates. Schools are not supposed to spend this money on school equipment, shoes, uniforms and other things,” he added.