The Evolution of Physical Education: A Policy Review in India (1947-2020)

This report provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the evolution of physical education (PE) policy in India from its post-independence foundations in 1947 to the transformative framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Utilizing a historical-analytical methodology, the review traces key government initiatives, committee reports, and policy documents, drawing on evidence from scholarly articles and official records. The analysis reveals a significant gap between the visionary objectives outlined in official documents and the practical realities on the ground. The NEP 2020, with its comprehensive integration of sports and physical education, presents a crucial opportunity to bridge this gap, but its success will depend on overcoming these long-standing implementation hurdles through robust monitoring, decentralized execution, and a fundamental shift in national mindset regarding the value of physical activity. Keywords: Physical Education, khelo India Programme, Fit India Movement, National Sports Policy 2001, Tara Chand Committee, Sports Authority of India (SAI)