Not enough physical education teachers; sports training crippled in schools

THRISSUR: Although the government repeatedly says it will strengthen sports education in schools, the lack of physical education teachers continues to hinder training. There are 39.43 lakh students across government and aided schools in the state, but only 1,869 physical education teachers. Of these, 616 are in government schools and 1,253 in aided schools.

Physical education teacher posts exist only at the UP and high school levels. No such posts have been allotted in the LP and higher secondary sections. In schools where all sections are combined, students in LP and higher secondary depend on the UP and high school physical education teachers. The United Physical Education Teachers’ Association is boycotting sports events in protest, demanding more teacher appointments and job security.