Physical Education period to be implemented in TN govt colleges

In an effort to instill and inculcate a sporting culture in government colleges, a Physical Education (PE) period would be implemented under the Sports Promotion Scheme.

The directive to this effect has been issued by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education and college principals have welcomed the development.

A recent letter from the Council provided that colleges should reorganize their schedules, reserving certain durations for sports activities, at least an hour per week for each class.

Colleges must make sure the Physical Director (PD) is present to guide students and follow up on their progress.

PDs are to guide students during their respective sports periods. If PD cannot be present, the head of the institution can confer powers upon a professor who is interested in sports to be the in-charge individual.

The plan is to support recreational, physical and mental well-being.

Competition is the best means of enhancing training and getting verified. Colleges should have at least two competitions a year. New inter-college tournaments can be included in the future," the letter added further.

Government sources indicate that this scheme also seeks to provide students with active and inclusive development opportunities.

The government has already approved funds to universities to buy primary sports gear and develop sporting infrastructure, official sources added.

College Sports Kit (CSK) comprising 22 sets of equipment for 11 sports disciplines like Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Carrom, Chess, Cricket, Football, Handball, Volleyball, Silambam, and Throwball will be provided to colleges. One CSK is valued at Rs 60,000. Excluding CSK, Rs 30,000 will be provided for college-specific equipment needs and thorough ground cleaning.

A college will get one CSK if it has less than 300 students, two CSK if it has between 300 and 800 students, and three CSK if it has above 800 students. For procuring CSK, there will be a district-level procurement committee headed by the Collector. Up to 494 CSKs will be distributed among 252 government colleges under the DCE and DOTE in the state," said sources.

Tamil Nadu Government Collegiate Teachers Association general secretary S Suresh appreciated the move and informed TNIE that previously there was no physical education period in government colleges, and physical directors would train only those who were interested and were enrolled under the sports quota.

"When students have a physical education period, they will feel refreshed both physically and mentally, and even those who are not interested can be encouraged to join in sports activities in colleges," he said. Suresh said the government has released funds to buy equipment for colleges for the first time.

He called for filling the Physical Director positions in 95 of the 170 government arts and science colleges so that physical education programs are able to be operated successfully.