UGC advises varsities to offer yoga and meditation lessons

The University Grants Commission (UGC), has advised all varsities across the country to offer lessons in yoga and meditation in their campuses. This is an initiative, in a bid to enhance the holistic well being of their students.

The classes will be introduced under the positive health programme of UGC, which is a part of the the "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" launched by MHRD recently.

It is yet to be decided if such lessons would be made mandatory for the students. The universities may also charge a nominal fee from the students for the classes, for which well-qualified yoga instructors will be appointed.

According to UGC officials, health clusters in all universities should be promoted to counter the stressed and unhealthy lifestyle of today's students. Universities in foreign countries already have similar initiatives. The UGC notification does not mention the implementation of the scheme to be mandatory. However, a majority of the educational institutes that depend on UGC grants will abide by the terms, added the officials.