The Maharashtra government has announced it’s intention to integrate basic military training for students in state run schools from class 1. School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse aims to instill love for the nation, discipline and physical fitness in young learners from the very beginning of their formative years.
The training will involve approximately 2.5 lakh retired Soldiers working alongside physical education instructors, NCC officers and Scouts and Guides, to ensure age appropriate instruction. The curriculum will be designed to foster a sense of national pride and resilience. It will include regular physical exercise and basic discipline rather than combat skills. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sees this training as an investment for the future. Cabinet minister Bhuse believes that the program aligns with broader efforts to prepare youth for a disciplined lifestyle, particularly in the context of national security awareness keeping in mind incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor.
Many believe that early exposure to such training could cultivate a culture of readiness and civic responsibility. The involvement of veteran soldiers is being seen as a strength to inculcate authentic, tailored instruction. However, criticism in the form of some educators questioning the suitability of military esque training for young children has been pouring in. Critics argue that Class 1 students, typically aged 5 or 6 often lack the cognitive maturity to grasp concepts like patriotism and nationhood.
