Karnataka schools instructed not to utilise physical education periods for academic activities
Bengaluru: The Department of School Education and Literacy in Karnataka has issued a directive to all schools across the state, emphasising that physical education periods should be reserved exclusively for sports and outdoor activities, with no academic work allowed. This move comes after concerns raised by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) regarding the use of PE periods for academic purposes.
In a letter to the Department of School Education and Literacy, cited by Deccan Herald on Thursday, KSCPCR member Thippeswamy highlighted that students had reported that their physical education periods were often utilised for classroom-based academic activities, increasing their stress levels and restricting their opportunities for physical exercise. “Since sports play an important role in a child’s overall development, it is necessary to allow children to play outside during these periods,” he wrote.
He further emphasised that physical activity also enhances concentration levels, which can contribute to improved academic performance.
The department’s circular instructed all schools to adhere to the current academic year calendar, which includes designated periods for physical education.
The department has also delegated the responsibility to Block Education Officers (BEOs) to monitor schools in their respective jurisdictions, ensuring that students are getting adequate time for outdoor activities.
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Farmers in Chincholi demand better MSP, accuse sugar factory owners of not fulfilling assurance
Kalaburagi: Members of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) and the Taluk Raitha Hitarakshana Samiti protested outside the Siddasiri Ethanol Power Unit in Chincholi, demanding appropriate minimum support price (MSP) to sugarcane farmers in Chincholi.
Pointing out that it was decided at the meeting chaired by District In-charge Minister Priyank Kharge on November 15 to provide farmers an MSP of Rs 2,950 per tonne of sugarcane with an additional Rs 50 as support price from sugar factory owners, the protesting farmers also demanded that the decision be implemented.
“The Siddasiri sugar factory owner has violated the agreement by paying each farmer only Rs 2,550,” the farmers have alleged.
President of the KPRS Kalaburagi District Unit Sharanabasappa Mamashetti said, “When he opened the factory, legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had assured that the factory would pay farmers in Kalaburagi an additional Rs 100, but has failed to live up to the word.”
The protesting farmers have demanded that the authorities concerned give priority to sugarcane farmers of Chincholi and Kalagi taluks to support the sugarcane crop. “Also, the factories should employ local youngsters and due measures should be taken to ensure the safety of the drivers of sugarcane transport vehicles,” they said.
They also handed their memorandum to Tahsildar Subbanna Jamakhandi and Power Ethanol Unit General Manager Dayananda Banagara.
The Tahsildar has assured that a meeting with the sugar factory owners would be held to discuss the issues raised by the farmers.
