Karnataka government schools see sharp decline in dedicated physical education teachers

Hubballi: According to a 'School report card: Physical Education from the Annual Status of Education Report, (ASER) 2024' by the NGO Pratham, there has been a sharp decline in the number of government schools having physical educators (PE) in Karnataka.

Primary schools are the worst affected compared to high schools, as only 2.3 per cent primary schools, 25.1 per cent upper primary or higher schools had separate teachers in 2024. In 2022, 30.4 per cent of government schools had PE teachers and in 2018 it was 36 per cent schools.

Non-recruitment of teachers since 2015-16 and the clause that one PE teacher for every 150 students are said to be the major reasons for the large number of schools without a physical education teacher.

ASER also states that due to shortage of PE teachers, there has been an increase in the number of other subject teachers conducting PE classes. Other subject teachers in nearly 47.5 per cent of government schools used to double up as PE teachers in 2018.

However, by 2024 this number has grown to 58.2 per cent. The numbers are increasing as the government has not provided any replacement in place of the retired PE teachers.

About 78.3 per cent of the government schools have playgrounds and 68.4 per cent of the total government schools have playing equipment as well.

Experts and teachers say that physical education classes play a vital role in the overall development of the students. These classes not only help students attain physical fitness but also mental strength.

The National Curriculum Framework, published in 2023, says physical education is not just an extracurricular activity, but also an important curricular activity that helps students in improving learning standards.

“Sports, yoga and other activities that are taught during the mass physical training (MPT) classes helps students break the mental stress and improve their concentration during the school hours,” says C B Patil, a PE teacher at Government High School in Chikkabellikatti, Bailhongal of Belagavi.

Karnataka State Physical Education Teachers’ Association General Secretary, Shankar Karikatti asked, “How can we achieve good results at the state, national-level sports competitions when we haven’t prioritised sports at the school level.”

The association has made several representations to the government to recruit PE teachers, he added. Unlike other subjects, the schools are not allowed to recruit guest PE teachers as the subject is not considered a priority curriculum.

Department of School Education Commissioner Thrilok Chandra K V said that the government is in the process of recruiting 200 more dedicated PE teachers to schools across the state.

“The government is committed to provide quality education to students at government schools and has plans to increase budgetary allocation for purchase of sports equipment,” he said.

Under Samagra Shiksha scheme every government school receives an annual sports grant of Rs 5,000 for primary schools, Rs 10,000 for upper primary schools and up to Rs 25,000 for secondary and senior secondary schools, to procure sports equipment for indoor and outdoor games.