Girls of Jamshedpur Women's College will now be trained in martial arts such as judo and karate.

For, the autonomous college of Kolhan University is all set to offer six-month certificate courses in martial arts, yoga and performing arts from the academic session 2016-17.

Under performing arts, students would be taught Seraikela Chhau, Purulia Chhau, jhumar and a classical form.

"I think every girl needs to learn martial arts. They will know how to tackle eve-teasers. We also want to promote folk culture and yoga, as we know, is a global way to stay healthy. We are in fact planning to launch the courses on June 21 that is celebrated as the International Yoga Day," said principal Shukla Mahanty.

Martial arts department will have 40 seats and yoga and performing arts will have 60 seats each. The fees, though not yet finalised, are likely to be around Rs 3,000 for all the courses.

The college will offer the courses not only to its own students but outsiders can apply too. "Students of other colleges can seek admissions here to learn a new skill. Local experts would be recruited to train students," said Mahanty.

She said they wanted to provide equal opportunities to students not only in academics but also in extra-curricular.

"Colleges need to be innovative and especially an autonomous college like ours. So, we decided to organise something new that will hugely benefit young girls," she said.