Daily exercise for Delhi municipal teachers to make them fit

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has made daily exercise and physical training compulsory for teachers in its schools to make them fit and active.

Don’t be surprised if you see municipal school teachers doing a march-past every day. The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has made daily exercise and physical training compulsory for teachers in its schools to make them fit and active.

Some teachers welcomed the initiative, saying it will help in their mobility. (Handout)

Officials said the move has already been initiated in some schools. The east and south civic bodies will follow suit.

The corporation says daily exercise will ensure teachers can keep up with the kids and ensure interactive learning. There are 765 schools under the North MCD with 9,000 teachers and 4.5 lakh students.

Initially the exercises and physical activities are being held every day. But later they will be held every week.

“The aim is they remain fit and focused on the students,” said Mamta Nagpal, chairperson, education committee, North MCD.

Some teachers welcomed the initiative, saying it will help in their mobility. Others were not too happy.

Initially the exercises and physical activities are being held every day. But later they will be held every week. (Handout)

“The move will increase the mobility and concentration of teachers. Initial learners (students of classes 1 and 2) require continuous attention and need to be chased around to make them study,” said Surender Singh, a teacher of MC primary school, Sarai Peepal Phala.

Another teacher questioned the move. She said it will increase their responsibility and add to their working hours.

“This would mean teachers will have to come earlier than usual time,” said a teacher.

Nagpal said exercise will help teachers perform their duties well. “Most students are very young and need special attention,” said Nagpal. She said the north corporation would soon launch other initiatives, including special training for teachers.

“Teaching students in a manner they enjoy is our priority. We plan to initiate weekend training programmes for teachers to highlight how they can improve the student-teacher relationship,” said Nagpal.