Starting from September, girls attending government schools will have the opportunity to receive martial arts training to enhance their self-defense skills. A specialized team of instructors from the Lucknow sports and education department will provide self-defense lessons to 60 master trainers in Ghaziabad and 54 in Noida. These master trainers will then pass on their knowledge to students aged 11 to 14, as part of the Rani Laxmibai self-defense program established by the state government.
Rakesh Kumar, the district coordinator of education in Ghaziabad, explained that once the training is complete, students will receive weekly self-defense classes at school. The purpose of this training is to equip young girls with techniques to protect themselves, enabling them to combat crimes like eve-teasing, acid attacks, cyberbullying, and other challenging situations.
In adherence to the program guidelines, around 45,000 schools in Uttar Pradesh will receive self-defense training during the current academic year. The curriculum will also include yoga, karate, and other self-defense techniques. Additionally, girls will be informed about government helpline numbers and schemes to ensure their safety and well-being.
Kumar highlighted the importance of self-defense as an essential life skill for girls to feel secure within society. He emphasized the urgency to implement this program promptly, as it will enhance students’ understanding of laws pertaining to crimes against women.
