Jaipur | November 7, 2025
Rajasthan to Launch Self-Defence Training for Girls in PM SHRI Schools
In a step toward ensuring safety and empowerment for schoolgirls, the Rajasthan Education Department has announced a new self-defence training initiative across over 625 PM SHRI schools in the state. The programme will provide structured training for girls studying in Classes 6 to 12, in collaboration with local police departments and certified martial arts instructors.
The initiative aims to instill confidence, awareness, and practical self-protection skills among adolescent girls, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions where gender-based safety challenges are more pronounced.
Empowering Girls Through Skill and Confidence
According to officials, the self-defence sessions will be conducted during physical education periods and extended through special workshops led by trained police personnel and martial arts experts.
“Safety and self-confidence are integral to learning. By teaching girls how to protect themselves, we are also helping them take control of their futures,” said a senior official from the Rajasthan School Education Department.
The programme will cover:
- Basic self-defence techniques and situational awareness
- Training in karate, taekwondo, and judo fundamentals
- Sessions on mental resilience and emergency response
- Awareness campaigns on gender equality and legal rights
Part of the PM SHRI Mission
The initiative is part of the PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme, which aims to upgrade and modernise select government schools as models of quality, safety, and inclusivity. Rajasthan has one of the largest networks of PM SHRI schools in the country, and the new programme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goal of integrating life skills and social empowerment into school curricula.
The Education Department has directed district education officers to ensure proper coordination with police and local NGOs for training delivery. Schools will also maintain periodic progress reports to monitor outcomes.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the state plans to expand the programme to all government secondary schools by the 2026–27 academic year. The initiative is expected to benefit over 50,000 girls in its first phase alone.
Officials said the effort complements existing government programmes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, which focus on improving safety and education outcomes for girls.
