(a) whether Physical Education is currently being taught in Junior High Schools as a
mandatory subject as per the past practice and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether Physical Education has been included in the courses offered under the New
Education Policy and if so, the details thereof
(c) whether the Government proposes to include Yoga as a mandatory subject in all the
classes at school level under the New Education Policy; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL ‘NISHANK’)
(a) : As per the National Curriculum Framework, 2005, Health and Physical Education is
a Compulsory subject from Class I to X. In this regard, National Council of Educational
Research and Training (NCERT) has brought out material for Class VI, VII and VIII as
Teachers Guide and for Class IX Textbooks on Health and Physical Education (HPE). In
addition, Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) has introduced a streamlined
and well designed Health and Physical Education (HPE) Program to mainstream health and
physical education in schools for students of class I - XII. The schools have been directed to
reserve one period per day for HPE/ sports. This program is compulsory for all affiliated
schools of CBSE.
Department of School Education and Literacy has launched an Integrated Scheme for
School Education-Samagra Shiksha, with effect from 1st April, 2018. The new integrated
scheme envisages school education as a continuum from pre-school to senior secondary level
and aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels. Realizing the need
for holistic development of children, under the Samagra Shiksha, Sports and Physical
Education component has been introduced for the first time for encouragement of Sports,
Physical activities, Yoga, Co-curricular activities etc.
(b) to (d): Committee for the Draft National Education Policy (NEP) under the Chairmanship
of Dr. K. Kasturirangan submitted its report to the Ministry on 31st May 2019. The Draft
NEP states that all school subjects will be considered curricular rather than extra-curricular or
co-curricular, including sports, yoga etc. Further, it states that all students at all levels of
school will have regular periods and opportunities to participate in physical activity and
exercise, including sports, games, yoga, martial arts, dance, gardening, and more, in
accordance with local availability of teachers and facilities.
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