Basic military training to be given to students from Class 1 in Maharashtra: Minister Dada Bhuse

The Department of School Education will collaborate with the Ministry of Ex-servicemen Welfare in Maharashtra to effectively conduct such training in schools. According to officials from the department, Bhuse held a meeting a few days ago with Shambhuraj Desai, Minister of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, where it was decided that the latter would submit a proposal on how such training can be imparted in schools with voluntary support from ex-servicemen.

The official said, “If required, this will include retired home guards and also trained physical education teachers. Such targeted training will include a maximum of one hour dedicated to various physical activities and outdoor games on Happy Saturdays already being celebrated in schools.” The official also highlighted that such mandatory physical activity sessions will help keep students active at a time when many are spending long hours on screens.

In his talk in Nashik on Monday, Bhuse stated that a recent study tour of 48 zilla parishad school teachers to Singapore, where they observed the integration of national loyalty and discipline into the curriculum, worked as an inspiration behind this initiative.

However, the announcement has sparked concerns among teachers who are questioning the feasibility of the plan without adequate logistical support. Many teachers have raised concerns over the declining presence of physical education teachers in government-run schools.

“Instead of addressing these existing gaps, which are affecting the delivery of physical education, a new initiative is being introduced,” said a teacher. While questioning the age appropriateness of starting military training in Class 1 schools, another teacher said, “These young students are unaware of the concept of nation, to be able to further encourage a ‘nation first’ mindset among them.”

A former head of the Maharashtra School Principals’ Association, Mahendra Ganpule, said, “It is important that discussions are held with schools over the requirement of such additional training when NCC and scout-and-guide training already exists for older kids. Furthermore, for any new initiative to be introduced, it is crucial that a pilot is conducted on a lower scale with a smaller number of schools involved before extending it to the entire state in a phase-wise manner.”