Self-Defense Training in Taekwondo for EMRS School Girls Launched

Aizawl, April 2026 : The Self-Defense Training in Taekwondo for EMRS (Eklavaya Model Residential School) girl students was officially launched today at the Conference Hall of the Planning & Programme Implementation Department. The kick-off programme was jointly organized by the Social Welfare, Women & Child Development Department, Planning & Programme Implementation Department, EMRS Society, and the Mizoram Amateur Taekwondo Association (MATA).

At the event, Pi Zoramthangi Chhangte, Director of the Women & Child Development Department, addressed the gathering on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative. She emphasized that under BBBP, self-defense training for girls is highly important as it not only strengthens physical fitness but also promotes mental well-being and self-confidence. She stated that when girls are capable of defending themselves, it contributes not only to community safety but also advances gender equality.

She further highlighted that BBBP has six key objectives, including improving sex ratio at birth, increasing institutional deliveries, raising first-trimester antenatal care registration by 1% annually, increasing secondary school enrolment by 1% annually, monitoring dropout rates among girls in secondary and higher secondary education, and raising awareness on menstrual hygiene management. She added that while Mizoram still has areas for improvement, it is already performing well in several indicators.

Dr. Lalrinchhana, Principal Adviser-cum-Additional Secretary of the Planning & Programme Implementation Department, also addressed the programme. He described the self-defense training initiative in Taekwondo as a significant step forward. He noted that the collaboration with MATA would not only uplift the status of girls but also promote Taekwondo as a sport in the state, creating new opportunities for athletic development.

The training programme has been initiated as per the request of the National Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with funding support from the BBBP scheme under the Women & Child Development Department. MATA has arranged qualified trainers for the programme.

A total of 1,819 girl students from Classes VI to XII across 11 EMRS schools in Lunglei, Serchhip, Lawngtlai, Ngopa, Tuipang, Chawngte, Tlangnuam, Tlungvel, Zawlnuam, Bilkhawthlir, and Noaohthla will undergo training.

The event was chaired by Pi Lalzarmawii, Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare, Women & Child Development Department. Officials from MATA and several government representatives were also present.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Pu Lalhmingmawia Sailo, Programme Manager (A), Mizoram EMRS Society.