In a landmark move to commemorate the centenary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, the Maharashtra government has announced a statewide self‑defence initiative that will train girls in government schools across the state in martial arts and personal safety techniques.
Background and Context
Balasaheb Thackeray’s 100th birth anniversary falls on 22 January 2026, a milestone that has prompted the state to launch a series of commemorative programmes. Among them, the education ministry’s new self‑defence curriculum for girls is designed to empower young women, enhance campus safety, and align with the government’s broader agenda of gender equality and empowerment.
According to a 2024 report by the National Crime Records Bureau, incidents of violence against women in educational institutions rose by 12% over the past five years. The initiative, therefore, addresses a pressing societal concern while celebrating a political icon whose legacy is closely tied to Maharashtra’s social fabric.
Key Developments
Education Minister Dada Bhuse unveiled the programme during a press conference in Mumbai, stating that the curriculum will be integrated into the existing physical education syllabus for grades 6 to 12. The modules will cover:
- Krav Maga – a high‑intensity, practical combat system that focuses on real‑world scenarios.
- Karate – emphasizing discipline, respect, and self‑control.
- Basic first aid and situational awareness – teaching students how to respond to emergencies.
- Digital safety – covering cyber‑bullying and online harassment.
Each school will receive a certified instructor for a minimum of 12 hours per week, and the programme will be monitored by the State Sports Council. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has pledged additional funding to ensure that the training is accessible to all government schools, regardless of location.
“We are not just teaching techniques; we are building confidence and resilience,” Bhuse said. “By equipping our girls with these skills, we are sending a clear message that safety is a shared responsibility.”
Impact Analysis
For students, the programme offers tangible benefits. A recent survey by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, found that 78% of female students who underwent self‑defence training reported feeling “significantly safer” on campus. The training also improves physical fitness, coordination, and mental focus, which can translate into better academic performance.
Parents, too, are likely to welcome the initiative. “I was worried about my daughter’s safety during her commute,” said Meera Patel, mother of a 10th‑grade student in Pune. “Knowing that she will learn practical skills to protect herself gives me peace of mind.”
From a broader perspective, the programme could reduce the incidence of campus violence. The Maharashtra Police Department’s 2025 statistics indicate that 3,200 cases of assault involving minors were reported last year. If even 10% of these incidents were mitigated through self‑defence training, the state could prevent over 300 cases annually.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Dr. Anil Kumar, a psychologist specialising in adolescent development, notes that self‑defence training also boosts self‑esteem. “When girls learn to defend themselves, they internalise a sense of agency that can counteract the victim mentality often perpetuated by media narratives,” he explains.
Teachers and school administrators can maximise the programme’s effectiveness by:
- Integrating role‑play scenarios that reflect local safety challenges.
- Encouraging peer‑learning groups to foster teamwork.
- Providing refresher courses every semester to reinforce skills.
- Collaborating with local police units for mock drills.
Parents can support their children by discussing real‑life situations and encouraging them to practice techniques at home. Simple drills such as “the 3‑step escape” or “the safe distance” can be rehearsed in the backyard or a nearby park.
Looking Ahead
The Maharashtra government has outlined a phased rollout plan. Phase one will cover 1,200 schools in the first six months, with a target of 5,000 schools by the end of 2027. The Ministry of Education has also announced a digital platform that will host instructional videos, progress trackers, and a community forum for students and teachers.
In addition, the state is exploring partnerships with private martial arts academies to provide specialised training for students who wish to pursue advanced levels. The initiative could serve as a model for other states, potentially influencing national policy on school safety.
As the programme gains traction, researchers will monitor its long‑term impact on crime rates, academic outcomes, and psychological well‑being. Early indicators suggest that a well‑structured self‑defence curriculum can be a powerful tool in fostering safer, more confident communities.
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