In order to make girls physically and mentally self-reliant and handle any form of a dire situation, self-defence training will be imparted to female students in upper primary and composite schools. Under the fourth phase of Mission Shakti, a government initiative, the training will begin this month and go on till February 2023.

"To ensure their proper security, the girl students will be trained under the 'Rani Laxmi Bai' self-defence training programme," a govt spokesman informed. The move towards women empowerment will boost the confidence of the young girls.

Physical education (PEd) and health instructors, along with sports teachers of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), will implement the training, which will be conducted during the prescribed period for PEd, sports, music and arts.

A mock drill, at the beginning of the workshop, is also in plans. This will make the children aware of various laws, safety measures, helpline numbers, and so on. A booklet, by Women and Child Protection Organisation Headquarters, 1090 Lucknow, will be read and discussed to make students aware of laws regarding the crimes against women and children.

Director-General of School Education, Uttar Pradesh, Vijay Kiran Anand has issued guidelines for conducting the programme efficiently.