Tamil Nadu Government School Girls to Get Free Self-Defence Training from August 2026

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department will launch a three-month self-defence training programme for girl students studying in Classes 6 to 10 in government schools from the first week of August 2026.

The initiative, implemented under Samagra Shiksha, aims to empower girl students by improving their confidence, personal safety, physical fitness, and discipline through professional martial arts training.

Students from Classes 6 to 8 in government middle schools and Classes 6 to 10 in government high and higher secondary schools will receive training in Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, and Silambam.

Government Allocates ₹12,000 Per School

To implement the programme, the School Education Department has allocated ₹12,000 per school for a three-month period. Self-defence trainers will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹4,000, and only trainers with a valid police verification certificate will be appointed.

Training Schedule

The programme will begin in the first week of August and conclude by November 2026.

Each participating school will:

- Enrol 10 to 100 girl students
- Conduct 24 training sessions over three months
- Organise two sessions every week
- Hold 90-minute classes
- Include physical exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, and martial arts training

Participation is Voluntary

The School Education Department has clarified that the programme is optional, and written consent from parents is mandatory before students can participate.

Students with medical conditions may opt out of the training. All sessions will be conducted under the supervision of female teachers, while hostel students will be given priority wherever applicable.

Schools have also been permitted to procure training equipment with the support of School Management Committees (SMCs) and alumni associations.

The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of government school girls across Tamil Nadu by equipping them with practical self-defence skills while encouraging confidence, discipline, and overall well-being.