Bhubaneswar, Sept. 14: The recent Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) circular urging schools to introduce self-defence classes for girl students on a regular basis is welcomed by most schools here.

Only a few schools appeared apprehensive, since the move needs to be implemented in the middle of the academic session.

A directive from the board that was addressed to principals read: "Though ensuring safety of girl students requires multiple measures at various levels, schools can contribute to this cause by organising self-defence training for them."

Besides asking the schools to conduct a week's training on self-defence for girl students of Classes I to X, the board had also suggested one dedicated period on a regular basis for self-defence activities for girls. The suggestion, however, is not mandatory. The board had also asked the schools to invite experts from neighbouring police stations or use locally available resource persons for this exercise.

The board through its earlier advisory in October 2010 had suggested that there should be at least 40 to 45 minutes of physical activities or games period for Classes I to X on all school days.

The Telegraph found that most schools in the city are conducting self-defence classes for quite a long time. Some schools, which are yet to introduce the programme, have started looking for trainers.

"We already have self-defence classes for both boys and girls once a week. However, with the new circular in place, we will have more number of classes. Finding trainers for the purpose will not be difficult since trainers keep contacting us from time to time," said Mathew Thomas, the principal of Future Bhubaneswar School.

Appreciating the move, Thomas said: "Apart from preparing girls to deal with any untoward incidents, self-defence activities are also an excellent way of promoting physical fitness. It will also equip the girl students with useful strategies to defend themselves from spontaneous or pre-meditated violence and abuse."

The Odisha zone regional director of DAV group of schools, K.C. Satpathy, said: "We have already contacted the police to help us with their women marshals and female self-defence trainers for the purpose."

DAV Public School, Chandrashekharpur, has already decided to hold a one-week training on self-defence for all girl students from Classes I to X from October 1 to 7.

A few schools are not very happy about the move. Requesting anonymity, the principal of a city school said: "Students in senior classes were not interested to have self-defence classes on a regular basis. Many parents too feel that it would be a waste of time for their wards to dedicate 45 minutes everyday in self-defence classes."

Another school principal was also sceptical of the CBSE directive. "It may not be a problem in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, but small town schools might face a problem to find out the right trainers. Also, we are not very sure whether police would actually co-operate," the principal said.