All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy is a proverb which dates back to 1659 holds great meaning even to this day. Continuous work without rest or relaxation is harmful to one’s personal life and well-being.

Everyone who matters knows the need for playgrounds because it aids in the all-round development of the child. Thus, a school without a playground is no school at all. And yet, new schools are registered and opened and run without them. There is always the pretext of costs, even in the private sector which charges the moon.

A report by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development reveals that 31% of secondary schools in India do not have playgrounds.  This comes as no surprise as playgrounds are no more the norm for schools. Children are confined to the four walls of the classrooms in the name of education.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education under Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, has made elementary education a Fundamental Right, which, inter-alia, provides for access to a playground for each school, a part time instructor for physical education in upper primary school and Supply of play material, games and sports equipment, as per requirement of the schools. Further, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it mandatory for all schools affiliated to it to provide one compulsory period for sports up to 10th class and two periods in a week for 11th and 12th classes. But all these guidelines are not being adhered to due to unavailability of playgrounds and adequate space especially in urban areas.

Participation in sports and other physical activities has far ranging effect on children. The participation in organized sports offers the chance to enhance their physical and social skills and builds children’s mental and physical growth. Sports help develop a sense of friendliness among the children and develop team spirit. It further develops mental and physical toughness. When the students are physically fit, they will achieve more academically.

Education is incomplete without sports.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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