Mission Shakti 4.0 set to launch in Uttar Pradesh to train rural girls in self-defence

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to launch the next phase of Mission Shakti programme for empowerment of girls on October 14. The government is gearing up to empower girls with self-defence skills in the upcoming phase of the programme.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directives to various departments, emphasising the need for not only the development of self-defence proficiency of girls, but also raising their awareness and knowledge of women’s laws, noted a press statement issued by the government.

This Mission Shakti initiative aims to empower girls so that they can take full advantage of their rights and government initiatives when necessary. According to the department-wise proposed action plan for the Mission Shakti Abhiyan, under the

Rural Development Department, in 36,816 gram panchayats, BC Sakhis (banking sakhis) in the age group of 18-40 years, Samuh Sakhis in the age group of 18-40 years, Agricultural Livelihood Sakhis, Health Sakhi, and Vidyut Sakhi will be trained to become master trainers in self-defence, by imparting training to them through the local women police.

These master trainers will teach self-defence skills to girls in rural areas through various mediums.

Also Read: A teacher has trained over 30,000 girls in self-defence

Similarly, under the Durga Shakti Mega Safety Workshop, under the Women and Child Development Department, self-defence training workshops will be organised for girls living in ‘Balika Grah.’ Under

these workshops, training and orientation of local and internal complaint committees formed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 will also be conduced in all the districts.

Youth Welfare Department will provide seven-day residential training to Mahila Mangal Dal for self-defence, self-reliance, and empowerment under Nirbhaya Scheme. At the same time, the Higher

Education Department will also make arrangements to provide training in martial arts and judo to female students for self-protection in case of emergencies.

Additionally, an awareness campaign on women’s safety and cyber crime will also be conducted in every district with the cooperation of the police department. Under Project Veerangana in the Basic Education Department, with the help of the Home Department, 11,000 PTI teachers will be trained, and self-defence training will be provided to for million girls of upper primary schools.