Hyderabad: Hyderabad-Based Yasoda Poola’s letter to the Union ministry of human resources development on introducing self defence classes in educational institutions has found favour with its minister, Prakash Javedakar. A signature campaign was also initiated by Yasoda to increase its reach. Though it was supposed to be implemented from this academic year, school authorities claimed that lack of funds from the government has hit the plans. Under the plan, each school will have an expert trainer in self-defence.
A district educational officer said, “Under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) scheme, training has been given to girls for three months in government schools.” He, however, said that there is a shortage of funds to cover the expenses.
Yasoda Poola wants to the scheme to cover all girl students. Ranjitha Mathew, who was part of the campaign, said, “It should be made a part of the educational policy and funds should be set aside for this.”
Caroline Ross, principal of Meridian School, said, “Though we were informed about the introduction of self defence training, there was no follow up from the government. We did not receive any official notification on hiring instructors.”
