Maha approves proposed law to regulate Yoga, Naturopathy

The Maharashtra government today gave its approval to the proposal for a legislation that will seek to regulate and develop Yoga and Naturopathy and its academic and business aspects.
Higher and Technical Education Vinod Tawde said in a statement there is an urgent need to bring the academic and business aspects of Yoga and Naturopathy under the ambit of the proposed 'Maharashtra Yoga and Naturopathy Act 2016'.
The proposed legislation seeks to set up the Maharashtra Yoga and Naturopathy Council in the state who constitution and organisational structure will be on the lines of similar bodies in other states, Tawde said.

He added the Council will be tasked to start new educational institutions and curriculum related to Yoga and Naturopathy, granting affiliation to educational institutions, recognition to research institutes and offer guidance to the state government.
It will also inspect the centres at recognised educational institutions and affiliated hospitals and grant accreditation, maintain registration and records of professionals and employees in the field and lay down model code of conduct for them.
Tawde said the Council will be able to investigate and take action in matters of misbehaviour by registered professionals or employees.

"Besides this the Council will be able to take action against those who falsely claim as being authorised and indulge in academics and professional activities," the Minister added.

According to Tawde both Yoga and Naturopathy have been ancient forms of science which have their origins in India and have been practised and followed since ancient times.
Today both these practices have become very popular across the world and thus the United Nations has declared June 21 as International Yoga Day, he said.