 has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the appointment of "Yoga Mitra" instructors in schools across India.){kind=link}
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the appointment of “Yoga Mitra” instructors in schools across India. The petitioner, Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, argues that this initiative is essential for the holistic development of children up to the age of 14, focusing on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The petition is filed under Article 32 of the Constitution and asserts that integrating yoga into education supports children’s right to health under Article 21 and complements their right to education under Article 21A. The petitioner emphasizes that these fundamental rights are interconnected and that the government has a duty to uphold them.
Government Responsibilities for Child Welfare
The petitioner claims that the government’s obligation extends beyond merely providing basic education. It also includes promoting the health and overall well-being of children. The right to health involves preventive measures and protection, which are necessary for children to live with dignity. Therefore, the petition argues that the government must appoint Yoga Mitra instructors and create a supportive environment for children’s health.
The PIL highlights that appointing a Yoga Mitra aligns with the Right to Education (RTE) Act’s focus on quality education. It argues that yoga is recognized as a secular practice that is vital for students’ balanced growth. The petitioner asserts that yoga fosters discipline, resilience, and self-awareness. Additionally, a 2010 government notification identified “Health & Yoga” as a core subject in the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), suggesting that yoga should be treated on par with other academic subjects.
Call to Action for Government Accountability
The petition urges the Supreme Court to hold the government accountable for promoting yoga as part of a comprehensive educational experience. It references Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the United Nations in 2014, where he described yoga as an invaluable gift from India’s ancient tradition. The PIL requests the Supreme Court to ensure that children benefit from yoga practice as part of their education.
The PIL seeks directions from the Central and State Governments to appoint a Yoga Mitra in all schools. This initiative aims to enhance children’s knowledge, abilities, and overall development, in accordance with Articles 21 and 21A and Section 29 of the RTE Act 2009.
Cause Title: Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India & Ors. [Diary No. 49522-2024]