In Jammu and Kashmir, more than 920 trained Physical Education degree holders are still struggling without jobs, despite completing their qualifications years ago. These graduates, who hold degrees such as B.P.Ed and M.P.Ed, have expressed frustration over the lack of recruitment drives and opportunities in the Union Territory. Many say they have been waiting for years for the government to initiate hiring for Physical Education teachers in schools and colleges.

I am writing about this issue because it reflects a larger concern — the growing disconnect between education and employment in Jammu and Kashmir. Thousands of qualified youth are completing degrees in physical education every year, yet recruitment remains stagnant. Sports and physical fitness are vital parts of school education, but without proper teachers, the aim of holistic student development remains incomplete. Highlighting this issue is important because it not only concerns unemployment but also the future of sports culture and physical wellness among students in the region.

Growing Number of Unemployed Physical Education Graduates

According to local reports, nearly 920 degree holders in Physical Education have been waiting for appointments for several years. Many of them had completed their studies under the impression that the government would soon expand sports and physical training programmes in schools. However, with no major recruitment drives announced by the School Education Department or the Youth Services and Sports Department, their hopes have continued to fade.

Several of these unemployed graduates have been vocal about their situation, urging the administration to initiate recruitment drives. They point out that despite numerous representations to the authorities, their requests have gone unanswered. Some even claim that many government schools in the UT are functioning without qualified Physical Education teachers.

The Role of Physical Education in Schools

Physical Education is more than just sports—it is about discipline, teamwork, and maintaining a healthy mind and body. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also emphasises the importance of physical fitness and activity as part of the school curriculum. Yet, without proper staffing, implementing these reforms becomes difficult.

In several schools across Jammu and Kashmir, Physical Education classes are either being conducted by teachers from other subjects or are skipped altogether. This not only affects students’ physical growth but also reduces opportunities for discovering sports talent at the grassroots level.

Voices of Frustration and Demand for Action

Many degree holders have come forward saying that their academic qualifications have lost value due to years of inactivity in the recruitment process. One of the affected graduates reportedly said that it is disheartening to see schools without trained instructors while hundreds of qualified teachers remain jobless.

Some candidates have suggested that the government should conduct recruitment under a transparent and merit-based system, possibly through the JKSSB (Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board), to ensure fair opportunities for all eligible candidates.

Possible Reasons Behind the Delay

While no official statement has clarified the exact reason behind the long delay, administrative restructuring and budget limitations are believed to be key factors. The merger of certain education departments after the abrogation of Article 370 also slowed down new recruitments in many sectors.

Additionally, changing policy frameworks and the shift toward centralised recruitment systems may have caused procedural delays. However, these challenges continue to affect thousands of educated youth waiting for government jobs.

What Needs to Be Done

Experts and educationists suggest that filling vacancies for Physical Education teachers should be a priority. Introducing structured sports periods, inter-school events, and fitness assessments requires trained professionals. The government can also consider contractual or district-level recruitment to meet immediate needs while long-term hiring processes are planned.

Moreover, involving unemployed degree holders in community sports programmes or after-school coaching can help them remain engaged while contributing to public health initiatives.