Question : PHYSICAL FITNESS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN



(a) whether the Government has any comprehensive scheme to promote sports as mandatory activity in all schools across the country;

(b) if so, the details of the scheme; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) to (c) : The National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005 adopts a holistic definition of health within which physical education and yoga contribute to the physical, social, emotional and mental development of a child.
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 which became operative with effect from 1st April, 2010 provides, inter alia, part time instructor for Health and Physical Education in upper primary schools, where enrolment of children is above one hundred.
As reported by the States/UTs, a total of 69844 posts of part time teacher on health and physical education have been sanctioned under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), against which 30048 posts have been filled up as on 31.03.2015.