KSCRPC objects to restricting sports and extra curricular activities for class X students

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCRPC) has objected to the reduction of sports, physical education and extracurricular activities during school hours for class X students in many high schools across the state in view of the main exams to be held in March 2026.

KT Tippeswamy, a member of the commission, wrote to the Departmental Commissioner of Public Instruction (DPI) in this regard, requesting him to issue appropriate instructions to the authorities concerned to make it compulsory to conduct sports and other extra-curricular activities for class X students as well, as per the departmental rules and school programme.

In his letter, Mr. Tippeswamy said that during his interactions with children in various high schools, he observed that many Class X students were not participating in sports and other extracurricular activities.

“It is ironic that children’s extracurricular activities and sports are restricted in order for the school to achieve good results. This also has a negative impact on children’s learning,” the letter said.

In the statement, “According to Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, sports and games are children’s rights. Restricting these is a violation of children’s rights. However, children are victimized due to the misunderstanding of teachers and officials and their lack of awareness about children’s rights.”

“At least four hours a week are devoted to extracurricular activities, including sports and physical education. Play sessions are very important and will also improve academics. If you teach eight hours a day continuously, it will affect their learning. Such decisions are taken by the principal at the school level and put a lot of pressure on the children.” Hindu.