Question : TEACHING OF YOGA THERAPY

(a) the number of educational institutes where the course on Yoga therapy is being taught in the country along with the number of students likely to be graduated therefrom in the current year, StateAJT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has finalised any standard curriculum to teach Yoga therapy in the country, and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the rules and qualification fixed by the Government for the Yoga teacher and Yoga therapists to run/set up Yoga therapy clinic in the country;

(d) whether Indian teachers require certification from the American Yoga Alliance and pay royalty/fee to them for imparting Yoga training to the students pursing certificate/diplomas courses in yoga in Rishikesh and other cities of the country, if so, the details thereof and the justification therefor; and

(e) the corrective measures being taken by the Government in this regard and also to open Yoga colleges/universities in the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANl, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRTPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a): On the basis of information made available by the University Grants Commission (UGC), a State/ UT-w`ise Statement indicating the number of educational institutes conducting courses on Yoga (including Yoga therapy) at various levels in the country during 2012-13 is enclosed at Annexure. Education being a State subject, this Ministry does not maintain data of students graduating in any year.

(b): At present, there is no Central legislation for regulation of education and practice in Yoga. Universities, being autonomous bodies draw curricula of various subjects including Yoga therapy with the approval of various internal apex bodies/ councils.

(c): The UGC has informed that UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2010 do not mention any qualification for a Yoga teacher/ Yoga therapist to set up Yoga therapy clinic in the country.

(d) & (e): Since, there is no legislation at Central level for regulation of education and practice in Yoga, there is no such requirement from the Government side. No certification is required from the American Yoga Alliance for pursuing Yoga courses in any of the institutions in India.

Education being a state subject, decision regarding opening up of more Yoga colleges/Universities will be taken by the State Governments as per requirement.