NEW DELHI: CBSE has asked all its affiliated schools to train girls on 'self-defence' from class I to X in view of some recent incidents which have accentuated the need to ensure their safety.
It has asked the schools to provide one week’s training on self-defence and earmark one period out of the physical activities or games period for self-defence activities for girl.
"It is earnestly hoped that all schools will follow these directives as these measures would lead to increased self-confidence and sense of safety in girl students," CBSE said in a communication to all affiliated schools.
The move comes as events in the recent past across the country and especially in schools in Delhi and Bangalore have raised concerns among parents about safety of girls.
Observing that the issue requires "immediate attention", the communication said that teaching girls to defend themselves is not only a useful means to empower them, inclusion of self-defence activities for girls is highly desirable.
Self-defence training will equip the girl students with useful strategies to defend themselves from spontaneous or pre-mediated violence and abuse.
"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," it said.
Schools have been suggested to consider 'non-contact sports' for training girls in self-defence as they will possibly cause less injury than contact sports.
Schools may also invite experts from neighbouring police station or use locally available resource persons for this exercise, it said.