2 in 5 Children in India Have Unhealthy BMI, Sportz Village Survey Finds

India, 28th February 2025: Sportz Village’s 13th Annual Health Survey (AHS) has revealed alarming gaps in the fitness and well-being of school-going children across India.

Conducted annually since 2010, the survey aims to analyze and evaluate the health and fitness levels of children in schools across India.

The 13th edition of the survey, powered by EduSports, assessed 1,16,650 children aged 7 to 17 years across 85 locations, highlighting the urgent need for structured physical education programs in schools.

The EAST REGION has emerged with the second-best performance showcasing an overall fitness in a total of 56.40% of children, showing notable strengths in Upper body strength (54%), Lower body strength (46%), and Flexibility (77%).

The survey highlights that a higher percentage of children from the NORTH REGION have shown extremely poor performance, recording the lowest percentages in three out of seven fitness parameters. The region performed the weakest in Lower body strength (35%), Abdominal strength (81%), and Anaerobic capacity (58%), underscoring significant areas for improvement in these key fitness indicators.

The performance of children from the SOUTH REGION has been a mixed bag. A higher percentage of children have performed well in the parameters of BMI (60.12%), Aerobic capacity (31%), Anaerobic capacity (62%), and Abdominal strength (87%), while showing areas of improvement in Upper body strength and Flexibility.

WEST REGION has performed the best when compared to all other regions with higher percentage of children performing exceptionally well in the parameters of Upper body strength (58%) Lower body strength (60%), Anaerobic capacity (81%), Abdominal strength (93%), Aerobic capacity (52%) & Flexibility (81%).

Key findings of the survey denote:

  • 2 in 5 children have an unhealthy BMI.
  • 3 in 5 children lack adequate Lower body strength.
  • 1 in 3 children have insufficient Flexibility.
  • 3 in 5 children do not meet the required Aerobic capacity.
  • 1 in 5 children have inadequate Abdominal or core strength.
  • 2 in 5 children lack sufficient Anaerobic capacity.
  • 3 in 5 children do not have adequate Upper body strength.
  • A higher proportion of girls (62.23%) maintain a healthy BMI compared to boys (57.09%).
  • Girls outperformed boys in Flexibility, Abdominal strength, Anaerobic capacity, and Upper body strength, whereas boys performed well in the parameters of Aerobic capacity and Lower body strength

AHS 2025 key findings

Moreover, a higher percentage of children in private schools have better Upper body strength levels (47%), compared to the children from government schools (37%) as well as Abdominal strength levels (87%) compared to the children in government schools (84%). In comparison, a higher percentage of children from government schools have fared better in BMI (61.64%), Lower body strength (48%), Aerobic capacity (37%), Anaerobic capacity (75%) & Flexibility (75%), demonstrating better overall fitness in children from the latter.
The survey also highlights the positive correlation between the frequency of P.E. classes and overall fitness levels. It found that children who attend more than two P.E. periods per week have better BMI levels, upper body strength and flexibility compared to those with fewer P.E. classes, reinforcing the importance of structured sports programs in schools.

Impact of frequency of P.E. classes on overall fitness

Saumil Majmudar, Co-Founder, CEO & Managing Director, Sportz Village,emphasized the importance of balancing academics and sports, stating: “Children naturally love to play, yet sports often take a backseat to academics. The 13th AHS findings highlight the urgent need to strike a balance between the two. School leaders must prioritize investments in physical education and sports curricula—not just for the long-term health and well-being of children, but to foster a strong sporting culture that can propel India toward excellence on the global stage.”

Parminder Gill, Co-Founder & Head of Foundation, Sportz Village, highlighted the need for policy support and CSR-backed initiatives, adding: “The improved fitness levels among government school children is encouraging, with far-reaching benefits. Sports not only enhance academic performance but also strengthen social-emotional skills, foster inclusion, and promote gender equity. To build on this progress, it is essential to implement strong policies and allocate resources that ensure access to high-quality sports programs, supported by corporates, CSR initiatives, philanthropists, and the government.”

Tata Power & Bank of Baroda MOU to Finance Residential PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Mumbai, 7th February, 2025: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited and a leader in India’s renewable energy sector, and Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for financing of residential rooftop solar power systems. The MoU will facilitate financing options for residential customers under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY). The collaboration will leverage on the wide branch network and financing capabilities of Bank of Baroda and the market leadership and dealer network of Tata Power Renewable Energy, enabling seamless sourcing and loan processing for customers. This strategic partnership is set to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country by providing affordable and accessible financing, thereby supporting India’s transition to renewable energy.

By providing access to affordable, hassle-free financing options, Bank of Baroda and Tata Power Renewable Energy will enable Indian households to adopt sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Under the MoU, applicants can avail loan amounts up to ₹6 lakh at an attractive interest rate starting at 7% p.a., with both fixed and floating rate of interest options available.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, customers installing residential rooftop solar systems with capacities of up to 3 kW can avail loans up to ₹2 lakh with no income documentation required. The scheme requires only a 10% margin contribution and offers an attractive interest rate of 7% p.a. The loans are collateral-free and come with a flexible repayment tenure of up to 10 years, making solar installations affordable for households.

For larger installations ranging from above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, customers can avail loans of up to ₹6 lakh under the regular scheme. These loans require a margin money contribution of 20%. Bank of Baroda’s Home Loan customers will enjoy special concessional interest rates ranging from 9.15% to 11% p.a. For non-Home Loan customers, interest rates will range from 10.15% to 12% p.a. The loans are collateral-free with a maximum repayment tenure of up to 10 years.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, residential consumers installing rooftop solar systems are eligible for government subsidies, significantly reducing the upfront cost of installation. For solar systems up to 2 kW, customers can avail a subsidy covering up to 60% of the benchmark cost, while for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, the subsidy covers 40% of the benchmark cost. Installations above 3 kW receive a fixed subsidy for the first 3 kW, with additional capacity receiving support as per scheme guidelines. These subsidies, combined with affordable financing options, make rooftop solar more accessible, helping households lower electricity bills while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director, TPREL said, “This strategic collaboration with Bank of Baroda marks a significant step forward in our mission to make clean energy solutions accessible to every household in India. By offering affordable and convenient financing options, we are enabling residential customers to embrace rooftop solar technology with ease. This initiative not only empowers individuals to reduce their energy costs but also contributes meaningfully to the nation’s renewable energy goals and efforts to combat climate change. Together, we are fostering a sustainable future, one home at a time.”

Shri Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, with solar energy accounting for almost 100 GW. This significant growth is driven by robust policy support, enhanced competitiveness, and rising investor confidence. At Bank of Baroda, we are strongly committed to expand our engagement in the renewable energy sector, in line with the government’s vision to maximise power generation through sustainable sources. We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Tata Power Renewable, a key leader in India’s renewable energy landscape.”

TPREL, recognised as India’s No. 1 solar rooftop company, leads the market with over 100,000 satisfied customers. The total renewables capacity of TPREL reached 10.9 GW (PPA capacity is 8.9 GW) including 5.5 GW projects under various stages of implementation and its operational capacity is 5.4 GW, which includes 4.4 GW solar and 1 GW wind.

Tata Power and Bank of Baroda MOU to Boost PM Surya Ghar Yojana Financing

Mumbai, 6th February, 2025: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited and a leader in India’s renewable energy sector, and Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for financing of residential rooftop solar power systems. The MoU will facilitate financing options for residential customers under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY). The collaboration will leverage on the wide branch network and financing capabilities of Bank of Baroda and the market leadership and dealer network of Tata Power Renewable Energy, enabling seamless sourcing and loan processing for customers. This strategic partnership is set to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country by providing affordable and accessible financing, thereby supporting India’s transition to renewable energy.

By providing access to affordable, hassle-free financing options, Bank of Baroda and Tata Power Renewable Energy will enable Indian households to adopt sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Under the MoU, applicants can avail loan amounts up to ₹6 lakh at an attractive interest rate starting at 7% p.a., with both fixed and floating rate of interest options available.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, customers installing residential rooftop solar systems with capacities of up to 3 kW can avail loans up to ₹2 lakh with no income documentation required. The scheme requires only a 10% margin contribution and offers an attractive interest rate of 7% p.a. The loans are collateral-free and come with a flexible repayment tenure of up to 10 years, making solar installations affordable for households.

For larger installations ranging from above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, customers can avail loans of up to ₹6 lakh under the regular scheme. These loans require a margin money contribution of 20%. Bank of Baroda’s Home Loan customers will enjoy special concessional interest rates ranging from 9.15% to 11% p.a. For non-Home Loan customers, interest rates will range from 10.15% to 12% p.a. The loans are collateral-free with a maximum repayment tenure of up to 10 years.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, residential consumers installing rooftop solar systems are eligible for government subsidies, significantly reducing the upfront cost of installation. For solar systems up to 2 kW, customers can avail a subsidy covering up to 60% of the benchmark cost, while for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, the subsidy covers 40% of the benchmark cost. Installations above 3 kW receive a fixed subsidy for the first 3 kW, with additional capacity receiving support as per scheme guidelines. These subsidies, combined with affordable financing options, make rooftop solar more accessible, helping households lower electricity bills while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director, TPREL said, “This strategic collaboration with Bank of Baroda marks a significant step forward in our mission to make clean energy solutions accessible to every household in India. By offering affordable and convenient financing options, we are enabling residential customers to embrace rooftop solar technology with ease. This initiative not only empowers individuals to reduce their energy costs but also contributes meaningfully to the nation’s renewable energy goals and efforts to combat climate change. Together, we are fostering a sustainable future, one home at a time.”

Shri Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, with solar energy accounting for almost 100 GW. This significant growth is driven by robust policy support, enhanced competitiveness, and rising investor confidence. At Bank of Baroda, we are strongly committed to expand our engagement in the renewable energy sector, in line with the government’s vision to maximise power generation through sustainable sources. We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Tata Power Renewable, a key leader in India’s renewable energy landscape.”

TPREL, recognised as India’s No. 1 solar rooftop company, leads the market with over 100,000 satisfied customers. The total renewables capacity of TPREL reached 10.9 GW (PPA capacity is 8.9 GW) including 5.5 GW projects under various stages of implementation and its operational capacity is 5.4 GW, which includes 4.4 GW solar and 1 GW wind.