Delhi HC Directs Govt To Give Girls Self-Defence Training

The Delhi High Court has directed the state government to implement self-defence training programmes for girls in government schools.

"As a preventive precautionary measure, start self-defence classes so as to arm and strengthen girls and ensure their self-protection. This should include all techniques, exclusively taught to them on a priority basis," a Bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Yogesh Khanna stated. The court asked the government to consider integrating self-defence classes into the curriculum for girl students. It said that there were several self-defence techniques which could be learned easily.

The Senior Standing counsel for the Delhi Government, Rahul Mehra, said that the Delhi Police was also providing similar training to women in various colonies in the city. Chairman of the Delhi Commission of Women said that there were only 50 trainers from the Delhi Police to train the students, and said that the court should ensure that there will be enough trainers to conduct the self-defence classes in schools.

The court has suggested roping in civilian volunteers and trainers, and volunteers from the defence and military to teach girls techniques to defend themselves.

The program will be launched as soon as possible, according to the Delhi government. Training programme could start as early as in the academic year 2017-18, said Mehra.

Also Read: Delhi Police Starts ‘Sashakti’ To Train Girls In Self-Defence

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