Over Nu 3.5bn has been allocated exclusively for sports and physical activities in schools across the country. This was shared by Education and Skills Development Minister, Yeezang DeThapa, during yesterday’s question-hour session in the National Council. The minister said that the current school curriculum is being reviewed to incorporate sports.
Responding to questions on the importance of sports and physical activities in schools, the education and skills development minister said that the government has allocated a sufficient budget for these activities in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
“Every district has at least one central school. To ensure adequate sporting facilities for central schools, we have allocated Nu 1.997bn. For non-central schools requiring sporting facilities, we have allocated Nu 1bn. Additionally, we plan to provide training for school sports instructors to enhance their skills and knowledge, with an allocation of Nu 98 M.”
The minister added that over Nu 400 M has been set aside for scouting activities in schools.
Additionally, the intake for school sports instructors at Paro College of Education has been increased by 30 per cent to address the shortage of sports instructors.
During the session, Dagana MP Birendra Chimoria linked the lack of sporting infrastructure in schools to rising youth crime.
He said that between 2021 and 2022, 178 students were arrested by the police, while 727 students were arrested last year for drug-related offences.
“Despite students’ interest in sports and physical activities, there is a lack of adequate infrastructure and facilities. As a result, young students, starting from grade four, are experiencing issues such as pre-diabetes, obesity, depression, hypertension, and other related health problems.”
According to the minister, the ministry plans to provide every school in the country with school sports instructors in the 13th Five-Year Plan. Larger schools will be given two school sports instructors as per the plan.
She also added that the establishment of a sports school in the country is included in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
Pema Tshomo & Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sherub Dorji
