Who needs sports? Only 40 govt-run schools in Tamil Nadu allowed to hire sports teachers

It appears that Tamil Nadu’s government-run schools aren’t interested in sports development of its students. Data reveals that only 40 of 9,000 government-run middle schools in the state are permitted to hire sports teachers.  

According to a Times of India report, the state education department, instead of addressing the issue, plans to scrap the post in 1,500 more schools.

“According to a government order from three decades ago, a government-aided middle and high school with 250 students will have a physical education teacher and the state could create a new PET postfor every additional batch of 300 students. The GO said higher secondary schools could have a physical director (PD) only if thestrengthis400 or more and primary schools would not have teachers for physical education,” the report added.

Currently, there are more than 1,200 vacant posts across the state. The department has appointed around 5,000 parttime teachers in schools, but the last appointment was made in 2012, leaving many posts vacant.

"The state has not made 16,000 part-time teachers permanent and has failed to appoint permanent physical education teachers (PETs) to fill vacancies created due to retirement of teachers. With most schools lacking full-time PETs, studentshave todepend on private training," the report said.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing the performance of the Indian athletes at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast in Australia, tweeted, "I hope India’s success at #GC2018 motivates more youngsters to pursue sports and creates larger awareness on the importance of fitness in everyone’s lives. On our part, we in the Government are doing everything possible to strengthen the Fit India movement."