The Tamil Nadu school education department has directed chief and district education officers to ensure that physical education (PE) classes for students in classes 6 to 12 are conducted without fail. Additionally, the department has sought details of schools where playgrounds are not being utilized to their full potential.
Background of the Directive
The instructions follow a recent review meeting chaired by School Education Secretary B Chandra Mohan. Officials have been instructed to ensure that schools organize special coaching classes for students interested in sports and games, according to a department release.
Monitoring and Reporting
The department has also asked district PE inspectors to provide chief education officers with details of schools that have achieved distinction at state and national level sports contests. An official from the school education department stated, "While classes 6 to 12 do have PE classes, there are instances where a different subject teacher takes over the class. The department does not encourage such activities."
Curriculum and Training
Physical education directors and teachers in respective schools have been told to follow the prescribed curriculum while training students. Last year, the department released a PE guidebook for teachers, designed in line with the curriculum. However, PE teachers across the state are yet to receive hard copies of the book.
Association Reactions
PE associations have welcomed the move but emphasize that several gaps must be addressed to effectively implement the vision. S Sankaraperumal, president of the Tamil Nadu Physical Education Teachers and Physical Directors Association, highlighted critical issues: "There are no PE teacher posts in about 9,000 middle schools. In addition, more than 500 high schools do not have PE teachers and more than 3,500 schools do not have Physical Director Grade-I posts."
Vacancy Concerns
He further noted that there are 2,900 high and higher secondary schools where posts were created but recruitment has not happened. "The government must first fill the vacancies and then make plans," he added.
