Over 1L Class 9 girls to be taught self-defence

Over one lakh girls studying in Class 9 in city schools will be taught self defence under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan (RMSA), launched by the Maharashtra government in the aftermath of the brutal gang rape of a 23-year old woman in Delhi.

Over one lakh girls studying in Class 9 in city schools will be taught self defence under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan (RMSA), launched by the state government in the aftermath of the brutal gang rape of a 23-year old woman in Delhi.

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The project that covers secondary schools will introduce self- defence classes in judo, karate and other martial arts across city schools.

Such lessons are likely to be introduced for Class 9 students initially, as they are considered to be of age to learn them.

School education minister, Rajendra Darda confirmed the development.

“It is necessary for girls in Class 8 to Class 10 to learn to defend themselves. We are chalking out a programme for them but we are still working over some details,” he said.

“We will start with Class 9 students. We are still deliberating on whether Class 8 students should be given such lessons. Class 10 students have barely any time for such lessons as they are busy with preparations for the Class 10 board exams,” said Suvarna Kharat who is the state project co- ordinator for the RMSA.