Education minister admits physical education neglected for long in schools
Shillong, June 28: In a significant move to tap Meghalaya’s sporting talent as well as ensure physical wellbeing of students, the state government has decided to make physical education mandatory for all government and government-aided educational institutions.
Government-aided schools and institutions across the state will be directed to treat physical education as a core and non-negotiable part of the curriculum, rather than something optional or symbolic, said education minister Rakkam A Sangma.
“We have created the post of physical education teachers, and we have decided to create more such posts in government schools,” he said.
These are steps being taken by the government as corrective measures for the prolonged neglect to physical education in the state.
Despite the state’s natural athletic talent, physical education in schools has long been neglected in Meghalaya, the education minister observed while calling for a fundamental shift in the approach to the subject at school level.
The minister’s remark bears significance in the wake of the demand from sports organisations and grassroots groups to provide structured physical education, qualified coaches, and professional training opportunities for the youth.
Emphasising on physical education at school level, the minister admitted that the subject has never been given the seriousness it deserves — either by the education system or by many schools and teachers.
Without mincing words, he said, “Look at our curriculum — I will admit it has not treated physical education as an important subject for students.”
The problem, he said, is not only the lack of infrastructure, but also absence of proper guidance and committed policy execution.
He recollected his own school and college days when there was a strong focus on physical activities, but it lacked professional training.
“We were players for everything, but not professionals,” he said sharing memories of playing early morning games before classes.
“There was one friend who never played but knew the rules and regulations of all the games. That’s how involved we were back then,” he said.
He expressed concern over the current situation and said, “There are many schools and teachers who know about physical education but do not practise it.”
He emphasised the need for genuine implementation rather than simply listing the subject in school timetables.
Highlighting success stories from rural areas, he cited footballers from his own constituency who made it to Subroto Cup finals.
“In the last Meghalaya Games held in Tura, I visited several events and saw many participants from South West Khasi Hills winning medals. I’m sure they have not received professional training but possess natural talent,” he said.
“If the events had included rowing and swimming, my village would have won many medals, as we have the longest river,” he said.
