Madurai: A revised school timetable increasing physical education (PE) periods has come into effect in Tamil Nadu, but the move has triggered criticism as the education department has not appointed adequate PE teachers.
At a review meeting of education officials held on October 13, Minister Rajmohan announced that PE classes would be increased in schools to support students’ overall well-being alongside academics. Following the announcement, the updated timetable has now been implemented.
Under the new schedule, PE periods have been increased to three days a week for Classes 6 to 12, and to five days a week for Classes 1 to 5. However, headmasters say the change is unlikely to deliver results because staffing has not been strengthened.
According to representatives of the Tamil Nadu Physical Education Teachers and Directors Association, around 6,000 PE posts are vacant statewide, and about 8,500 middle schools do not have a PE teacher at all. The association also urged the government to revise existing norms on PE teacher allocation based on student strength, arguing that current limits cap appointments even in very large schools.
