21,000 Maharashtra school girls to learn Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, kick boxing: Check age, criteria needed for enrollment curriculum and military training details

Girl students studying in more than 21,000 schools across Maharashtra will be provided 'military-style' training from February 1 to instil patriotism, Maharashtra's school education minister Dada Bhuse said on Tuesday. As many as 10,000 veterans and experts from the NCC and Scouts and Guides will provide self-defence training as part of a year-long programme being rolled out to mark the birth anniversary of late Balasaheb Thackeray. The Maharashtra minister said the students will also receive lessons on becoming better citizens, and girls will be given self-defence training. The initiative forms a key component of the “Nation First” campaign, which will see a series of educational, motivational and skill-based activities conducted across the state throughout the year, reports TOI's Ardhra Nair.

At what age will students receive training?

When asked about the age at which the programme would begin, Bhuse said it would be introduced in an age-appropriate manner. He added that the training would include drills such as standing at attention and at ease, marching, and taking part in parades. Bhuse was speaking at the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research (Balbharati), where he said the initiative would be rolled out on a trial basis and that a detailed timetable would be issued soon.

The programme, guided by School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, is aimed at strengthening students’ physical safety, mental resilience and sense of national values. As part of the plan, self-defence training will be provided to girls in 21,279 schools, while basic military-style training will be introduced with the help of 10,000 ex-servicemen. Additionally, 10,000 motivational speakers will conduct sessions focused on personality development, discipline and national ideology.


ALSO READ: What is Boycott Huda Beauty trend, why are Iranian protestors throwing brand's makeup products in dustbin and why has the internet exploded with Mona Kattan's latest move?

Military training programme: Date and Time

According to officials, the self-defence training programme is scheduled to begin around January 15, 2026, and will continue until March 20, 2026. As many as 67 sessions have been planned during this period, ensuring sustained engagement rather than one-time instruction. The curriculum has been designed to address real-life safety concerns while also supporting overall physical and mental well-being, reports Mid-Day.

"Lessons on becoming responsible citizens will be conducted by experts from different faiths and social sectors, with a focus on developing a ‘nation first' outlook and creating awareness of issues like alcohol addiction," Bhuse said. Students will get a health card so that wellness parameters are registered for a student in case of any emergency.

Taekwondo, Karate, Judo to be taught

-The training will cover basic self-defence techniques to help students handle everyday situations, along with exposure to multiple martial arts forms such as Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Krav Maga, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Aikido and Wushu.

-Yoga sessions, including postures and pranayama, will be an integral part of the programme to improve flexibility, concentration and emotional balance among adolescent girls.

ALSO READ: Mary Kom issues apology video after 'ek rupya bhi nahi kamaya' remark against husband Onler, posts 'meri Hindi perfect nahi hai, so please...'

-In addition to physical training, “smart skills” modules will be introduced to strengthen decision-making, communication, stress management and self-confidence.

-In the final phase, students will also be given an introduction to basic military-style training, covering discipline, parade drills, marching and an overview of the three defence services.

Reacting to the initiative, Minister Dadaji Bhuse said the government’s objective is to ensure that every girl student is not only educated but also safe and self-reliant. He said the combination of self-defence, yoga and military discipline would help build confidence, strength and a deep sense of national pride among students, calling the programme a significant step towards women’s empowerment in Maharashtra.

Bhuse had first announced the “military-style” training initiative in Mumbai last June. The proposal drew sharp reactions from teachers and education experts, many of whom described the idea as illogical. Some said their views had not been sought before the announcement and pointed out that no clear outline or plan had been presented at the time. Others questioned how very young children, such as six-year-olds, would be able to grasp concepts like patriotism, which they felt were beyond their level of understanding.

(With TOI inputs)