Higher edu director clears air, MPEd to stay at Chandigarh's Sector 11 college

Clearing all doubts, the Director Higher Education (DHE) approved the continuation of Masters in Physical Education (MPEd) course at the Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11. The office has given a go ahead for continuation of the course on the condition of adherence by the college authorities over engaging of the faculty as per the undertaking.

Earlier, this week, the department had claimed considering to start admission to the MPEd course, after some aspiring candidates maintained that the link on the college website to apply for admission under the same course was not accessible. The concern was reported in the same columns.

“The matter regarding the admission has been considered and approval has been accorded to with subject to the condition the competent authority will ensure that teaching faculty is engaged strictly as per the undertaking,” confirmed a DHE official.

There were rumours that the DHE was planning to discontinue the course. As per the college’s 2025-26 prospectus, there are 40 seats for MPEd course and the number depends on the availability of the supervisor.

In the year 2004, BPEd (4-year teacher education course) was introduced in the college and the MPEd (2-year programme) started in 2009. The college attracts sportspersons, who wish to pursue a career in coaching and is the only co-education government institute after Panjab University to offer the course at a reasonable fee structure. “This will help students save lakhs of rupees, and will benefit college in long term. Barring Panjab University, no other government college offers this course and the expenses at private colleges are quite high in comparison to the government intuitions. The aspiring students and the local fraternity welcome this decision,” said a local faculty.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, some students held a protest at the entrance gate of PGGC, Sector 11, demanding continuation of the course and opening of admission link. However, after getting the assurance by the authorities, the strike ended. “We welcome this decision, as it will help many sportspersons to nurture their career and contribute in the growth of the nation,” said Satinder, a protesting student.