Mumbai: In a move set to reshape early education in the State, the Maharashtra Government has unveiled plans to introduce basic military training for students starting from Class 1, aiming to instil discipline, patriotism, and physical fitness in young learners from the foundational level.
Announcing the initiative, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse said the programme is designed to promote national pride, civic responsibility, leadership, and mental toughness among children. The training will be incorporated into the regular school curriculum through structured modules that include physical drills, group exercises, and lessons on national service.
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03 June 2025
What sets this initiative apart is the scale of its implementation and the resources being tapped. The state plans to enlist the support of around 2.5 lakh ex-servicemen, alongside existing physical education instructors, National Cadet Corps (NCC) officers, and members of the Scouts and Guides.
“A decision has been taken to give basic level military training to students from Class 1. This will help inculcate love for the country, encourage habits like regular physical activity, and discipline that will benefit students throughout life,” said Minister Bhuse.
The proposal has already received a positive response from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, signalling strong government backing for the scheme. Training will be introduced in a phased manner, with further details on curriculum structure, scheduling, and school selection expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
This marks a significant shift toward value-based education, merging academics with physical conditioning and character-building. It also reflects a broader vision of preparing youth not just as students, but as responsible, resilient citizens equipped to serve the nation in multiple capacities.
The plan has sparked widespread discussion across educational circles, with many hailing it as a bold step to enhance discipline and patriotism, while others call for clarity on implementation in urban and rural settings alike.
