Hyderabad: The National Council for Educational Research and Training has issued guidelines to schools across the country to offer health and physical education as a compulsory subject from Class I-X. The council also instructed the schools to formally introduce yoga activities from Class VI onwards.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) through National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is taking a multi dimensional initiative to promote yoga in the curriculum in schools. National Curriculum Framework 2005 (NCF-2005) highlighted yoga as an essential component which contributes to the physical, social, emotional and mental development of a child.
According to NCERT, emphasis should be given to enjoyment and fitness when the emphasis shifts from enjoyment to achievement; such training can make demands of discipline and practice that can create stress at school stage. All students must be involved in health and physical education activities; however those who choose to excel in games and sports need to be provided adequate opportunities.
Children can achieve high levels of excellence in sports, athletics, gymnastics, yoga and performing arts such as dance, according to NCERT. As per the guidelines, one period per day needs to be allocated in the time-table for this area.
Health education and physical education includes sports and yoga. Formally, yoga activities need to be introduced from Class VI onwards. More emphasise should be given on practice related to physical education activities.
