In report to SC, amicus says physical literacy should be recognized as fundamental right

New Delhi: A report submitted in the Supreme Court on Thursday has stated that physical literacy should be considered as a fundamental right, and all education boards, including CBSE and ICSE, should be expected to mandate that at least 90 minutes of every school day be dedicated to free play and games.

The report submitted by senior advocate and amicus curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan in a PIL had sought directions to the Centre and all states to make sports a part of the Fundamental Rights as well as ensure the promotion of sports education in the country.

The amicus, in its voluminous report, has stated that physical literacy should be recognised as a fundamental right protected by Article 21 (protection of life and liberty) of the Constitution.

The report also suggested that the Centre can be asked to establish the National Physical Literacy Mission (NLPM) to give effect to the right by establishing and implementing a responsibility matrix that includes curriculum design, compliance monitoring, and review, grievance redressal and self-correction mechanisms.

Aas implementation of the long-term recommendations may take time, the report suggested that the top court, for the time being, can consider directing all school boards, including CBSE, ICSE and state boards, "to ensure that from the academic year commencing 2022-2023, at least 90 minutes of every school day will be dedicated to free play and games."

It also sought a direction to ensure that all non-residential colleges and schools shall compulsorily allow access during non-working hours to neighbourhood children to use their playgrounds and sports facilities for free from the academic year commencing from 2022.

The report further suggests the court direct the Ministry of Education to form an empowered committee or working group (committee) headed by a court-appointed convenor, who will provide regular reports to the former.

The PIL said that sports should be included among academics from "nursery to post-graduate level and the fundamental right to education.

There should be a compulsory provision for sports in the school budget which should be utilised for sports activity only. Also, there should be one post of sports secretary in students unions, it added.