Better days for physical education expected

Physical education, hitherto a neglected subject in Orissa, may witness a welcome change in the near future if the Old Boys’ Association of the Government College of Physical Education becomes successful in meeting the eight targets it set on the occasion of its annual conference at Kalinga Stadium here today.

Allotment of Government land to the city-based Government College of Physical Education (GCPE) will top the list, association secretary Manamohan Rout said. ‘‘Three targets, including introduction of physical education as a subject in elementary schools, making physical education as a subject in secondary schools and the same as an optional subject in Plus Two and Plus Three courses, have been set to boost sports at grassroots level,’’ he added.

According to association president Himansu Sekhar Mohanty, three targets have been earmarked to enhance employment opportunities for physical education teachers. These include: Making PET jobs in schools open for BP Ed and MP Ed candidates, instead of CP Ed candidates alone; Making provision for appointment of ‘Saririka Sikshya Sahayak’ in primary schools and Obtaining UGC pay scales for qualified physical education personnel, working in colleges.

‘‘Making GCPE’s golden jubilee celebration a grand success will be the last, but not the least target,’’ Rout concluded. GCPE Principal Ashok Kumar Nayak, former principals Sarat Chandra Mohanty and Bhuban Bihari Patnaik graced the conference as guests and suggested ideas for revival of physical education movement in the State.