Celebrating International Yoga Day on June 21 in schools is not mandatory in Karnataka. However, the Department of Higher Education in the State has issued a circular directing all colleges and universities to celebrate Yoga Day.
Unlike CBSE directive to schools, the State Government would not issue a circular or directive to schools or pre-university colleges to celebrate International Day of Yoga on June 21, following a declaration by the United Nations.
Speaking to presspersons here on Tuesday, Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar said: “It is left to schools.” He said the department would not issue circular directing government/aided or private schools to celebrate the event on Sunday (June 21). In addition, yoga is optional schools in the State, he said.
Meanwhile, teaching and non-teaching staff and students of all government, aided and un-aided colleges and universities have been directed to organise yoga programmes.
The CBSE also issued directive asking students to come to school on a Sunday to celebrate the Yoga Day and it irked many students as CBSE schools re-open only on June 22 (Monday), after closing for the summer holidays.
RTE: preference to kids of BPL families
With over three lakh applications received seeking seats in premier schools under the Right to Education in 2015, the State Government is mulling an idea of giving preference to only children of BPL families under the Act next year.
Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar said more stringent steps to be taken to ensure seats to children of eligible families under the RTE. Parents would be directed to submit only one application seeking seat in one school, he added.
Admission would be given to schools which are located close the residence of parents, he said.
