Yoga a compulsory subject in govt-run schools, teacher training

Smriti Irani said the subject would not put any additional burden on students as 80 marks would be reserved for practicals

Yoga would now be taught as a compulsory subject not only from class VI to X in central government run schools but also as a training module in teacher education programmes.

Besides, a national-level competition on yoga would be organised here next year where the best performing student will be given a cash prize of Rs five lakh, HRD Minister Smriti Irani today said.

Releasing the syllabus and course material for the students, the Minister said the subject would not put any additional burden on students as 80 marks would be reserved for practicals.

"However, I want an assurance from students that they will perform the practicals with full devotion," Irani said at a function here today, a day after the International Yoga Day celebration which saw participation of hundreds of school students and teachers.

Later talking to reporters, she said, the states are free to decide on adopting it in their syllabus and to link with their the course curriculum.

Officials said CBSE is yet to "devise" a strategy with regards to its implementation in the affiliated schools. The programme would, however, be made mandatory in Kendriya Vidyalayas and the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.

Talking about the training module on yoga for teacher education programme, she said, the aim is to produce a pool of trained teachers in yoga who meet the upcoming demands.

"We have prepared syllabus for teachers as well. One is diploma in yoga education, bachelors in yoga education and masters in yoga education," Irani said.

National Council of Teacher Education, in its revised notification has made yoga a compulsory training module along with ICT, gender studies and inclusive education.

Irani, on the occasion, also informed that a mobile app will be launched on July 17 where NCERT books from class I to XII can be downloaded free.

A 'Kala Utsav' would also be organised in December at Connaught Place (Central Park) here where ethnic culture, song and dance would be showcased by students from across the country.