Shocked over the Delhi gangrape case and showing the will to curb crime against women, Punjab education minister Sikandar Singh Maluka on Tuesday said girls in all government schools will be trained in self-defence.
Meanwhile, in a surprise check, Maluka raided the office of the
district education officer and found 15 employees absent. Showed leniency by letting off five employees after questioning them, he said strict departmental action will be taken against the 10 employees who failed to give a satisfactory reply.
Talking to mediapersons, Maluka said: "Holidays will be given as per the situation and there could be reduction in holidays in future. Training in karate and gatka will be given to students in all government girls' schools from the next session. All measures will be taken at schools to protect girls. None of the people found guilty for endangering women safety will be spared."
Maluka claimed that to check cheating in exams raids will be conducted by flying squads, of which he will also be part.
Promising to address the issues of staff shortage and women safety in schools, he said: "After six months none of the government school will be short of teachers and all efforts will be made to provide security to female teachers. No school will have just one woman teacher and efforts will be made to provide women teachers posting near home."