(a) whether the Government proposes to make it mandatory to have sports as a compulsory subject up to 10th class in schools in the country especially in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi/NCR;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be implemented; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
[COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (RETD.)]
(a) to (c): Education falling under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, majority of schools fall under State Examination Boards and the school curriculum is determined by the State Governments including Uttar Pradesh and Delhi/NCR. However, as per the National
Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005, Health and Physical Education is a compulsory subject upto Xth Class and optional subject at Higher Secondary Stage. Health and Physical Education includes age appropriate games and sports including athletics, swimming and gymnastics. The NCF-2005 also advocates that for games and sports, it is essential that minimum physical space and equipment are available in every school and for health, yoga and physical education, there is need of minimum of outdoor and indoor facilities coupled with proper ventilation and sanitation in the classrooms and school premises at the primary, secondary and senior secondary levels. Sports facilities may be developed so that more children can avail them for leisure time sports activities and engage with team games.
As a follow up of National Curriculum Framework 2005, the National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) has developed syllabi from Class I to Class X. Copy of syllabi is available on NCERT’s website (www.ncert.nic.in).
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