ADILABAD: Due to lack of playgrounds in both government and private schools, students are being forced to play on road sides and railway station premises in the district. In Adilabad district there are about 927 schools, of which only about 162 have playgrounds, showing the dismal level of importance schools are giving to sports and games.
Students are already tensed and facing a lot of psychological issues due to lack of physical activities and if they are not given a chance to play, the problems are likely to multiply.
In Adilabad town, Thatiguda government school children are play on the road in front of the school and at railway station premises. The school has a strength of 260 students, but since they do not have a playground, they are forced to play outside.
Though the government claims that it is trying hard to promote sports in the state, it is not even providing grounds at government schools. For the overall development of a student, both education and sports are must, but it is not happening at the ground level.
“I am very interested in kho-kho and kabaddi. Our school does not have a playground. Hence, I am not able to practice the games,” said P Ravinder of Thatiguda government school.
Poor and tribal students denied of opportunities
Poor and tribal students in government schools are interested in sports but due to lack of grounds and coaches, they are denied of opportunities. They could make it to national and international level but due to lack of encouragement and facilities, all their dreams are being shattered.
After the academic year starts, the government will organise kho-kho and kabaddi tournaments in rural areas. In these events rural students succeed at the district and state-level, but are unable to continue their journey to national-level.
Before the beginning of the academic year itself, the state government allots funds for sports development but the funds are not being being made proper use of.
Private, govt schools in other districts share similar fate
A similar situation prevails in Kumram Bheem, Nirmal and Mancherial government and private sector schools. Private sector schools are getting renewals from the district officials without proper facilities. In fact as per regulations, each school should have a playground depending on its student strength. For 200 students the school should have 700 sq mts ground and from 201 to 300 students it should have an 800 sq mtrs playground.