In an effort to ensure safety of girl students the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked the schools to start self-defence classes for them. In a recent letter directed to all the school heads the Joint Secretary Academics and Training of CBSE, D. T. Sudharsan Rao has suggested that at least one week’s training should be given to girl students. “Teaching girls to defend themselves is a useful means to empower them. In this regard, the Board is of the opinion that inclusion of self-defence activities for girls is highly desirable. Apart from preparing girls to deal with any untoward situation, self defence activities are also an excellent way of promoting physical fitness. Though ensuring safety of girls requires multiple measures at various levels, schools can contribute to this cause by organizing self-defence trainings for girl students,” the circular reads.
The CBSE has asked the schools to ensure that after the initial week’s training the girl students are continuously updated with knowledge, strategies and skills for self-defence.
The circular suggests that Non-contact sports should be considered for training girls in self-defence as they cause less injury than contact sports.
The schools have been asked to use the services of experts in this endeavor. In the letter Rao hoped that the school heads would adopt these measures and asked them to bring it to the notice of all teachers, students and parents.