Pvt schools to use Govt playgrounds

kiranmai tutika I hyderabad

In what can be termed as a solution to an ageing problem-lack of grounds for students to play and hone skills, the Andhra Pradesh Government is mooting a proposal that allows private schools to utilise playgrounds belonging to government schools on a rental basis. A win-win for all. The government gets revenue and schools do not have to scout for playgrounds.

The initiative, being examined under a proposed “Common Playground System” (CGPS), seeks to make optimal use of existing public infrastructure while ensuring that students studying in private schools, as many of which lack adequate sports facilities, gain access to proper playgrounds and physical training spaces.

Jan Sena Party General Secretary and MLC Kona Nagababu has strongly backed the concept, stressing the need for structural reforms in the education system to prioritise students’ mental and physical well-being alongside academics. He noted that increasing academic pressure has left many students confined within classrooms, limiting opportunities for sports and outdoor activities.

Speaking to Metro India Nagababu said, “Children have immense energy, and when it is channelled positively through sports and fitness activities, they grow into confident and responsible citizens. Students should be given structured opportunities for physical fitness and games at least a few days every week.”

Highlighting growing concerns over stress-related health issues among schoolchildren, he observed that while numerous government schools possess large playgrounds, many private institutions function without dedicated sports infrastructure due to space constraints, especially in urban areas. The proposed system would allow private schools to use government school playgrounds by paying a nominal user fee.

Officials indicate that the revenue generated through rentals could be utilised for maintenance of playgrounds, appointment of sanitation staff, and improvement of facilities in government schools, thereby creating a sustainable model benefiting both sectors. The shared use of sports infrastructure is also expected to encourage interaction between students from diverse social and educational backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and social harmony.

Even the teacher community welcomed the proposal and emphasised the importance of integrating physical fitness, yoga, self-defence, and co-curricular activities into mainstream education, stating that physically strong and mentally resilient youth are essential for nation-building.

Education department sources say the proposal aligns with the state government’s broader focus on holistic education reforms. If implemented, the Common Playground System could become a pioneering model in optimising public resources while ensuring balanced development for students across Andhra Pradesh.