NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) is working on a plan for introduction of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in yoga in universities.

The proposal, in line with the Narendra Modi government's focus on yoga, envisages that departments related to yoga be set up in various central universities from the next academic session.

A senior functionary said that the proposal is being worked out and there is a thinking among certain quarters that even in research there is a lot of scope on how yoga helps the physical and mental aspects of the body.

A well-placed source said announcements in this regard are expected in the coming days.

On the initiative of Prime Minister Modi, the United Nations declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga.

During the maiden International Day of Yoga celebrations last year, the UGC had asked all institutes and universities to organise various events and listed several activities such as 'exhibition on yoga postures' and 'online essay competitions' for the purpose.

The government has also announced that yoga will be introduced as a subject from classes VI to X in all central government-run schools.

HRD Minister Smriti Irani had said that while 80 out of 100 marks will be reserved for practical the remaining 20 per cent will be for theory. The National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) has been working on textbooks on yoga.

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