Kerala has become the first state in the country to make physical education mandatory by including it in school curriculum. Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan has formally launched the programme at Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday as part of total physical fitness programme of the state. It is true that Kerala is far ahead of many states in child care, life expectancy, and similar health care indices. However, a recent scientific survey has revealed the alarming fact that close to eighty per cent of 24 lakh primary school students of Kerala do not have average physical fitness. Moreover, many children suffer from diseases like diabetes. About 620 physical educations teachers are to be appointed over a period of time for implementing the innovative physical education programme of Kerala effectively.