Dehradun, December 19, 2024: In a significant move to empower students and ensure their safety, BJP MP and state president, Shri Mahendra Bhatt, raised two crucial issues in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. These included the inclusion of legal education and self-defense training in school curricula and an inquiry into the progress of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
During Question Hour, Bhatt directed a question towards the government about whether it would consider adding legal education and self-defense training to school syllabi, calling attention to the growing need for students to be better equipped with these life skills. He emphasized that the entrance to the Parliament, being a space of national importance, also mirrored the broader rights and responsibilities students hold within society. In response, State Minister for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, clarified that the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP) already covers the topic of legal literacy within its framework. Legal education has been introduced as an interdisciplinary subject for students in classes 11 and 12, while the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed resources such as "Legal Literacy Handbooks" and training modules for grades 6 to 12, which include subjects like the Indian Evidence Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Indian Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
On the matter of self-defense, the Ministry of Education informed that self-defense training is also a part of the broader student safety framework. The NCERT’s National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) emphasizes the importance of physical, emotional, and intellectual safety for students, as well as the need to prevent bullying and sexual harassment. Self-defense is integrated into health and physical education curriculums, alongside the Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Program. The government has also been conducting gender sensitization programs aimed at teachers, trainers, and school administrators to raise awareness on issues such as gender-based violence, safety laws for girls, and digital crimes.
Notably, the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) have been a key example of these efforts. An assessment by the NCERT revealed that 207 KGBVs across 30 states and union territories have successfully trained girls in martial arts and self-defense techniques, alongside providing knowledge about their legal rights.
In addition to these educational reforms, Shri Bhatt also raised a pertinent question about the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, a government initiative aimed at securing the future of girls in India. He asked for an update on the number of accounts opened under the scheme and whether any efforts had been made to promote the initiative in states where progress had been slow. In response, State Minister for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, provided the latest figures: as of November 30, 2024, a total of 4,10,29,011 accounts had been opened under the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme. The ministry has also been running campaigns to increase awareness and encourage account opening in various regions.
As the debate continues over these two significant issues, it’s clear that the government is focusing on long-term solutions to improve the safety and empowerment of young girls across India. Whether through legal literacy, self-defense training, or financial security schemes, these initiatives are being seen as essential steps toward a safer and more informed future generation.
This article is based on a press release issued by the Bhartiya Janta Party. While GNN has adapted the content for journalistic clarity and neutrality, the information and views presented originate from the press release. For More info, CLICK HERE.
