| Students in the engineering colleges and technical institutions will now have to practice yoga as a mandatory criteria to earn their college degree. In a move to inculcate healthy lifestyle in students, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has made it mandatory in order to obtain their engineering degree. The students will have to participate in yoga or sports or any other extra-curricular activities as a part of their curriculum.
Why has AICTE made it mandatory to study yoga in engineering colleges? The institutions have had activities including National Social Service (NSS) and National Cadet Corp (NCC), but it was not mandatory to participate in these activities for getting a degree. Now, AICTE has made it compulsory for students. AICTE Officials explained that the move will contribute to a holistic development of the student. Nevertheless, there are no marks allotted for this activity. Students will have to dedicate 25 per cent of their attendance into these activities. What do students feel about mandatory yoga sessions for engineering students? Some students pursuing their technical education seemed to welcome the initiative, and agreed that students won't take up unless it is made mandatory. Earlier, Union Human Resource and Development Ministry had also hinted on the incorporation of yoga into the curriculum. Colleges were also asked to submit reports on the activities that took place in the colleges on International Yoga Day by the University Grants Commission (UGC). "Apart from studies, students need to do other activities too which is good for their well-being and for the society too," a senior AICTE official said. |