Shimla: In a significant step towards promoting holistic development among school children, Samagra Shiksha has initiated the establishment of open gyms in PM SHRI schools across Himachal Pradesh. The initiative aims to give equal importance to students’ physical and mental well-being alongside quality education.
In the first phase, open gyms are being set up in 74 PM SHRI schools at an estimated cost of ₹270.10 lakh. Additionally, 14 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) will also be equipped with modern open gym facilities at a cost of around ₹70 lakh, enabling girl students to access fitness infrastructure within their school campuses.
The initiative is designed to encourage regular physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles, and create a positive fitness culture in schools. It will provide students with an opportunity to improve their physical health and fitness while continuing their academic pursuits.
Under the PM SHRI scheme, special emphasis is being placed on quality education, sports, health, and modern infrastructure development. The installation of open gyms is part of this broader vision to create an inclusive and inspiring learning environment that supports the balanced development of students’ knowledge, personality, health, and life skills.
Strengthening the Vision of Holistic Development
The availability of open gym facilities in schools is expected to motivate students to engage in regular exercise, enhancing awareness about fitness and encouraging greater participation in sports and physical activities. Regular physical activity helps improve endurance, strength, and immunity while also reducing stress, increasing concentration, and supporting mental well-being.
At a time when children’s lifestyles are increasingly influenced by sedentary study routines and digital device usage, the introduction of open gyms will help keep students active, energetic, and health-conscious.
The initiative is also expected to foster qualities such as self-confidence, discipline, teamwork, and positive thinking among students. By developing fitness habits at an early age, schools will play a crucial role in encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.
Samagra Shiksha Director Rajesh Sharma said that a healthy mind develops in a healthy body. Keeping this principle in mind, open gyms are being established in PM SHRI schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas across the state. He described the initiative as an important step towards the holistic development of students, helping them cultivate fitness, discipline, and healthy lifestyle habits that will serve as a strong foundation for their future.
