Kerala Assembly: Sports Minister says only 190 playgrounds identified under One Panchayat One Playground scheme

Kerala Minister for Sports O.J. Janeesh has said only 190 playgrounds have been identified under the One Panchayat One Playground (OPOP) scheme.

He was replying to questions in the Assembly on physical education and sports training in schools on Tuesday.

Twenty-seven playgrounds have been completed under the scheme. It is only 5% of the target, the Minister said.

Contracts have been signed for 72 playgrounds, tenders invited for around 40, administrative sanction sought for 20, and estimate preparation was on for 23 playgrounds, he said.

The government, he said, was mulling expanding the programme and making it more effective. To attract more women to playgrounds under the scheme, basic infrastructure would be improved and floodlights installed. Use of playgrounds from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. will attract more youth, thus kicking off a nightlife in the location and help send a message against drug abuse, he pointed out.

Lack of physical education teachers in schools had come to the government’s attention and steps to address the shortage was being looked into in association with the General Education department, Mr. Janeesh said.

The government would give strict directions to prevent diversion of physical education periods for other subjects in the wake of numerous complaints from students, he said.

Under the OPOP scheme where playgrounds are allowed for schools, their use by the public without causing any disruption to functioning of schools or maintenance of the grounds was being considered, he said.

One School One Game scheme

The Sports department would appoint trainers directly wherever possible for the implementation of the One School One Game scheme. The government would hold discussions where other departments were also involved.

The participation of CBSE and ICSE students in State and district-level competitions would be examined.

A decision on use of rooftops for setting up school facilities can be taken only after taking into account school fitness and student safety, he said.