PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Uttarakhand State Commission for Women (USCW) organised a workshop on self-defence at Government Girls Inter College in Rishikesh on Wednesday, as part of the National Commission for Women campaign “Navratri – Navshakti Navsankalp.”
Speaking on the occasion the chairwoman of USCW Kusum Kandwal highlighted the one stop centre, women helpline and various security and empowerment schemes run by the government. She stated, “The future of the State will be strong only when our daughters are confident, aware and safe. The government is implementing numerous schemes for the safety of women, enabling them not only to protect themselves but also to raise awareness in society.” She emphasised that the workshops aim to teach students self-defence skills for emergencies and suspicious situations, inspiring them to become physically strong.
Additionally, sub-inspector of police Aarti Kaluda provided detailed information to the students about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. She also explained the importance of women’s helplines—181, 1090 and 112—for emergencies, as well as the child helpline 1098, the Gaura Shakti app and the Cyber Sakhi scheme. She encouraged the girls to utilise these services and schemes to ensure their own safety and that of others.
Further, police sub-inspector Sahil Vashisht informed the girl students about how to seek police assistance and the significance of quick action in emergency situations. Karate training was conducted by Aastha and her team, during which the girl students learned and demonstrated several useful self-defense techniques.
