Conduct Self Defence Classes for Girls – CBSE Directs All Schools

Keeping in mind the safety of school going girls, CBSE has asked all it affiliated schools to conduct self-defence lessons for girl studying in class I to X. They hope that this move will inculcate a sense of self confidence among the students. 

Earlier this year, India was left shocked and angered when the news of sexual assault of school going girls in places like Bangalore and Delhi poured in. Parents were panicking as they were not sure about sending kids even to the one place which is supposed to be among the safest for children.

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Keeping those cases in mind, and various other incidents which have taken place in the past all across the nation, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to take a step towards the safety of girls at schools.

CBSE has asked all its affiliated schools to start self-defence lessons for girl students in class I to X. This step has also been taken considering the concerns put forward by many parents about the safety of their children.

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Schools have been directed to conduct a one-week training programme in self-defence for girls at the beginning of each term. And after this, schools should also dedicate 45 minutes every day (that is one class period), for physical activities and self-defence training.

The circular generated by the board advices schools to take up non-contact sports for training, as they cause lesser injuries in comparison to contact sports. Schools have also been told to take up sports which do not require any special infrastructure.

There is hope that this move will help inculcate self-confidence in school going girls. The training will provide them the knowledge about various strategies to defend themselves in case of situations of violence and abuse. They will also learn about the various steps that should be taken post such incidents.

“These strategies cultivate in individuals the ability to remain alert yet calm at all times. Therefore, self-defence training will assist girl students to become more aware of their surroundings and to not feel helpless in any situation,” CBSE said in a communication to all affiliated schools.

Earlier in 2010, CBSE had suggested that there should be at least 40-45 minutes of physical activities every day. Schools can also invite experts from police stations if possible, to add value to these training and to help the students achieve some first-hand knowledge.

“We are already running taekwondo and karate classes in our school, though they are not compulsory. The girl participation in karate and taekwondo is considerably increasing every year but now if the CBSE makes it mandatory, it will be a great initiative to boost self-confidence of all the girls, starting from the primary level,” said Anu Sharma, principal of Stepping Stones Senior Secondary School to The Indian Express.

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