CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan on Tuesday released a revised school timetable providing for physical education and co-curricular activities five days a week, following students’ demands for more time for physical activities.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Rajmohan said the revised timetable was issued on the orders of Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. The schedule includes three dedicated Physical Education Teacher (PET) periods and two periods for co-curricular activities each week. The latter can also be converted into PET periods, and the allotted time for physical education must be fully utilised, he said.

He thanked the Chief Minister for the decision and said physical education should not be restricted for any reason, adding that children should be encouraged to participate in physical activities.

Responding to a question about more than one lakh candidates failing the teacher recruitment examination, Rajmohan said the pass percentage had increased compared to last year. He noted that candidates had appeared for the examination amid various family circumstances and said teachers would be provided direct training.

(With IANS inputs)