Girls should learn martial arts for self-defence: Himachal minister Shandil

Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dhani Ram Shandil on Wednesday said every girl should learn martial arts for self-defence, emphasising the need to make it a mandatory subject. “A girl trained in martial arts can save and defend herself in challenging situations,” the minister said while participating in a function held to mark 10 years of the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ scheme.

Stating that it was a good initiative taken by the Centre, Shandil said the state government had initiated various welfare schemes for women as it was committed to empowering them by providing them equal opportunities. “Gods reside where women are respected. Such society always prospers and excels in every field,” he said.

He outlined several schemes being implemented in the state in favour of women. Some of these include the Indira Gandhi Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana, under which eligible women are being provided Rs 1,500 per month, Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Shagun Yojana, Mahila Swarojgar Yojana and Vidvah Punarvivah Yojana.