In a letter from the AYUSH Ministry to the police departments has asked forces across the country to begin yoga training.
Yoga mats will be out in Delhi Police stations soon and cops will literally be seen stretching it out to ensure the extra flab on the waistline is burned out.
The force that often complains of high stress levels due to the demanding nature of the job is all set to conduct regular yoga classes soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his desire of making the practice mandatory in Police stations.
Sources say Yoga guru Baba Ramdev could be the star trainer and will be asked to visit police stations once in a while. “If he agrees we will try and get him for special sessions,” said a senior Delhi Police officer.
The Centre has allocated Rs 7 lakh annually for each district to conduct regular yoga classes. This will include salaries for instructors and other requirements to put in place a Yoga training programme.
“Yoga will have a positive impact on Delhi cops, especially who are doing hectic jobs. The step is not only for Delhi Police but other states can also get involved in this scheme,” said a senior Delhi Police officer.
In a letter from the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Ministry to the police departments has asked forces across the country to begin yoga training.
“PM, while reviewing the activities and achievement of AYUSH, has expressed his desire that yoga sessions be made mandatory in police stations to enhance the social health and management of working stress and skill development of our police personnel. Keeping this in overview, a scheme, entitled – Yoga training for police Personnel has been devised,” Ministry of Ayush said in its letter.
Delhi Police will start recruiting yoga instructors who must have a degree or diploma in yoga with minimum 55 per cent marks.
Also, the instructors must have at least two years of experience in teaching yoga. In Delhi, Deputy Commissioners of police will be responsible for conducting classes for the staff and keeping a check.
“District heads will be responsible for conducting yoga classes in their districts and units. It will be the responsibility of the DCP to prepare a time table and also he/she will ensure that instructor is taking classes as per the schedule. Though, he can also assign any senior official of the district to look after the classes and make surprise visits,” the ministry letter says.
Some officials are already quoting impracticalities in implementing the programme, citing paucity of time for overburdened cops.
“Normally, a day of police station staff starts very early. Investigating officers (IO) have to attend court proceedings. It will be very tough for police station staff to attend yoga classes regularly,” a junior level official said.
