Students to Get Military Training from Class 1 in Maharashtra

In a significant move aimed at fostering patriotism and discipline, Maharashtra’s School Education Minister Dada Bhuse has announced that students from Class 1 onwards will receive basic military training. Speaking to the media on Monday, Bhuse said the initiative is designed to encourage regular physical activity and build a sense of national pride among children, according to news agency PTI.

“This foundational military training will instill discipline and the habit of regular exercise in students, along with nurturing their love for the country,” Bhuse stated. He added that retired armed forces personnel will be enlisted to train the students.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly welcomed the proposal. The implementation will involve support from approximately 2.5 lakh ex-servicemen, as well as sports teachers, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Scouts and Guides.

This announcement follows a series of nationwide civil defence drills held in response to rising tensions with Pakistan, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India’s retaliatory operation—codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’—on May 7 targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

On May 7, mock civil defence exercises under ‘Operation Abhyas’ were conducted across the country, followed by ‘Operation Shield’ on May 31 in states bordering Pakistan. These drills tested emergency preparedness for potential hostile attacks and addressed security gaps identified in earlier exercises.