NCERT tells schools to introduce ‘yogic activities’ from Class 6

The National Council for Educational Research and Training has issued guidelines to schools across the country to formally introduce “yogic activities” from class 6 onwards. They are a part of a broader plan to schools to promote physical education, sports and yoga.

The guidelines have been shared with all states and Union Territories for implementation. Schools under the Central Board of Secondary Education likely to follow the guidelines.

But they will not be a binding on schools under state education boards, said an NCERT official, who did not want to be identified. Every school needs to offer health and physical education as a compulsory subject from classes 1 to 10 as part of the plan. The NCERT has shared information with the states regarding the syllabus being developed for health and physical education from class 1 to 10 for their adoption and adaptation. “All children need to be involved in free play in formal and informal games, yoga and sports activities and psycho-social development,” read the guidelines.

The NCERT official said students at primary classes do Yoga too as part of health and physical education. It is not advisable, the official added.

“We want schools to introduce it from class 6 onwards so that they focus on both the theory and practical part. For instance, doing the asanas, pranyam and meditation should be undertaken... replacing this period with other periods they should give physical education its due place.”

THE GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN SHARED WITH ALL STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION