In a significant move toward enhancing the safety and empowerment of female students, the Maharashtra government has introduced a comprehensive martial arts training program in all public and private schools across the state.
This initiative comes in response to recent distressing incidents, including the tragic murder of a student in a Mumbai hostel, highlighting the pressing need for self-defense education.
Under the auspices of the Maharashtra State Women’s Policy 2014, which champions women’s empowerment and protection of their rights, girl students are slated to undergo a three-month self-defense training regimen. The program seeks to impart essential martial arts techniques to approximately 1.5 crore girls in the state.
An education department official has initiated communication with directors of primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools, underscoring the program’s significance. A circular detailing the program’s specifics will be circulated by the director’s office, with explicit instructions for divisional offices to coordinate karate training sessions within their jurisdictions.
This proactive effort underscores the government’s commitment to creating a safer environment for female students and aligns with broader initiatives promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
