Haryana Govt Announces Yoga Education Mandatory from Class 3 to 9 Across State

In a groundbreaking move coinciding with the 12th International Yoga Day, the Haryana government has declared yoga education mandatory for students from Class 3 to 9 across the state, effective from the next academic session. This isn't just about school; Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that questions related to yoga will also be a compulsory part of examinations conducted by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) and the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), fundamentally reshaping both the educational and employment landscape in Haryana. The sweeping policy aims to integrate holistic wellness and traditional Indian practices into the core of student development, with Class 6 already seeing yoga introduced in the current academic year. Beyond classrooms, the state is rolling out specialized training programs for Physical Training Instructors (PTIs), DPED teachers, PGTs, and PRTs to build teaching capacity, alongside plans to establish a dedicated State-Level Institute of Naturopathy and Yoga in Morni. This initiative stands in contrast to states like Tamil Nadu, which prioritize general physical education, highlighting Haryana's specific emphasis on yoga's comprehensive benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Looking ahead, the policy implies a significant shift in academic priorities and career preparation for Haryana's youth. The government plans to incorporate yoga into five Centres of Excellence in universities and rename sports departments to 'Departments of Sports and Yoga,' solidifying its institutional recognition. This move signals a concerted effort to ingrain yoga as not just an exercise, but a way of life, with upcoming amendments to examination policies ensuring its long-term impact on government recruitment.