Nod must for taking part in c’ships: DEO to schools

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 14

The office of the District Education Officer (DEO) has issued a diktat asking schools to seek department’s approval before allowing their students (players) to participate in competitions to be organised by local associations.

Sources said the circular was issued after a few associations, including athletics and net ball, approached schools directly for sending teams to play.

The DEO remained unavailable for comment on the issue. The sources said the circular would help the department to keep a track of the students amid the pandemic.

They said permission from the DEO office also meant that sports teachers and students (players) can claim refreshment and travel charges (as per the rules).

“There are a few associations which have directly invited schools to participate in their championships. As per the set trend, the association should approach the DEO office and the department will further pass on the information to schools. If an order is forwarded from the DEO office, schools are bound by rules,” said the sources.

“I will inquire into the matter. We are equally concerned about the safety of our students due to Covid and instructions from the Centre,” said Rubinderjit Singh Brar, DPI, Schools.

“If the circular is issued for reimbursing refreshment and travel charges, it’s a good initiative. However, in the past, we were never paid any such charges,” said a teacher. “Associations conduct many championships of a single age-group and players need a platform to perform,” said the teacher.  

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