Commendable Move By The Government Of Maharashtra To Encourage Sports In Schools

Maharashtra Government Encourages Sports In Schools

These are indeed ‘acche din’ for school students who take up sports professionally, but who at times skip the important tournaments due to the attendance restrictions. On Wednesday, the government resolution (GR) issued by the Maharashtra State Education department, has introduced a special concession in attendance for students of classes IX to XII playing at the state and the national level.

“Students who participate in sports lose out on attendance due to the preparation and competitions. It has been noticed that due to fear of losing out on an academic year due to attendance, lesser number of students participate in sports. This has an adverse effect on both the growth of the student and the sports culture in the state.” said the GR.

These students will now be allowed to sit for their exams even if their attendance is less than 60% as opposed to the 75% which is currently compulsory for all. “

This will be applicable to schools across all boards such as SSC, ICSE, CBSE and international boards. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Council of Indian School Certificate Exam (CISCE) already provide this concession. It will be valid for students participating in events organized by the central government, state government, government approved organizations and the School Games Federation of India.

Also in some cases, if the students are unable to keep up the 60% attendance requirement, they can seek the help of their school principal. It will then be the principal’s responsibility to get the required permissions from the district education officer (secondary) to allow those students to appear for the exam.

School principals have also appreciated this move. “This will be an advantage for those living in small towns, who lose out time in travelling,” said Prashant Redij, Maharashtra Principals Association.

Francis Swamy, joint secretary, Archdiocesan Board of Education (ABE), which governs over 150 schools in the city said, “All this while, schools were going out of the way to ensure that students can participate in sports activities. Sometimes, we held re-exams or condoned students but when the state comes out with such a decision, it is a great move.”

In June last year, Maharashtra reintroduced the sports quota scheme for students appearing through the state board where students can get 15 to 25 marks depending on the level of participation.

The Logical Indian appreciates this initiative by the government of Maharashtra to improve students’ participation in sports. It is laudable, and sets an example for other states to follow suit.