Date:12/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/12/stories/2008121253730400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

“Consider plea to appoint physical director in schools”

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the State School Education Secretary to consider the representation of the Tamil Nadu Physical Educationists Association seeking implementation of a government order sanctioning a post of physical director for schools having a strength of 400 students, and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within 12 weeks.

Passing orders on a writ petition, Justice P.Jyothimani said considering the facts and circumstances, he was of the view that it was incumbent on the part of the School Education Secretary to consider the government order in proper perspective in respect of appointment of physical director in schools.

The association, represented by its general secretary R.Bhaskar, submitted that the government passed the order in December 1997 revising the pay for assessment of grant for teaching posts.

As per the G.O., for every school with a strength of 400 students, a post of physical director would be given by upgrading the existing post of physical education teacher. In spite of the G.O., for the past 10 years, the government failed to grant the post of physical director. Repeated representations to authorities were in vain.

The petitioner sought a direction to implement the G.O. for 2251 schools in the State, each having a strength of 400 students. The judge said the petitioner’s representation of March this year had not been considered at all by the authorities.