In a concerning revelation, a Right to Information (RTI) query has brought to light the absence of physical education (PE) teachers in 93 government schools across Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu.
This shortage, affecting approximately 38.6% of government schools in the area, has left over 30,000 students without access to essential physical education, depriving them of physical activity and sports training opportunities. The query was filed by local social activist R. Kumar, sparking widespread concern among educators, parents, and health experts over physical education in the region’s schools.
The RTI query disclosed that 45 PE teacher positions are vacant in government schools across Dindigul, with no PE teacher recruitment since 2017. These findings underscore a worrying trend of neglect in filling critical educational roles, particularly those focused on students' physical and overall well-being. Schools without dedicated PE teachers face a significant gap in their curriculum, as students miss out on regular physical activity, structured sports training, and vital life skills fostered through team sports and fitness programs. The absence of PE teachers is especially alarming, given the vital link between physical activity and improved academic performance, emotional well-being, and health.
The effects of this teacher shortfall are directly felt by the student body. Without dedicated PE instruction, students are denied structured physical exercise, a necessary component for healthy growth and development. Physical education is also known to improve students' concentration, teamwork abilities, and resilience—skills crucial for academic and personal success. Dr. S. Kumar, an education expert, warned, “Lack of physical education can lead to long-term health consequences and diminished academic performance, as students miss the physical and mental benefits that come with regular activity.”
Moreover, students’ exposure to sports, which can provide career opportunities and scholarships, is significantly reduced. For many students, especially in under-resourced communities, schools are their only access to organised sports, which can foster life skills such as leadership, discipline, and persistence.
In response to the RTI findings, Dindigul’s District Chief Educational Officer (CEO) acknowledged the issue and assured that steps would be taken to address the vacancies promptly. The CEO pledged an immediate recruitment drive aimed at filling the PE teacher posts and enhancing the quality of physical education in government schools. However, specific details or timelines for the recruitment process were not provided.
Activists, educators, and parents have expressed frustration over the prolonged inaction in filling these critical roles and are calling for urgent measures to remedy the situation. Key demands include not only the immediate recruitment of PE teachers but also training programs for current teaching staff to temporarily address the shortage. Activists also emphasise the need for improved sports infrastructure and equipment in schools, noting that PE teachers alone cannot address the gaps without adequate resources.
As the district’s government schools face this physical education crisis, the call to address the broader infrastructural and administrative challenges in public education grows louder. For many, this issue highlights a deeper need to prioritise and fund physical education to ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, receive a well-rounded and healthy school experience.