- The Haryana Yog Aayog Bill, 2021 was introduced in the Haryana Assembly on March 10, 2021. The Bill seeks to: (i) establish a Yog Aayog for the promotion, management, and regulation of training of yoga and naturopathy in the state, (ii) promote a naturopathy system (drugless therapy involving the use of natural elements in the treatment of disease), and (iii) promote yogasana (yoga-postures) as a sport. Key features of the Bill are:
- Functions of the Yog Aayog: The functions of the Yog Aayog include: (i) promoting, training and regulating yoga and naturopathy in consultation with the state government, (ii) organising yoga competitions in schools, and (iii) periodically reviewing the yoga courses and educational standards for recommendations to the state government. It may also constitute committees to ensure its smooth functioning.
- Composition of the Aayog: The Aayog will consist of certain official and non-official members. Official members include: (i) the Directors of certain state government departments (such as Sports and Youth Affairs) or their representatives, (ii) the Dean/Registrar of the Shri Krishna AYUSH University or his representative, and (iii) a medical officer from the state AYUSH Department.
- The non-official members include: (i) three members with a Bachelor degree in AYUSH and at least five years’ experience of yoga education or training or practice, (ii) two members with a Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences degree with at least five years’ experience in naturopathy, and (iii) two members who are registered yoga or naturopathy practitioners. The state government will nominate the Chairman and Vice-Chairman from the non-official members. Non-official members will have a term of five years, which may be extended further by the state government.
- Functions and Powers of Registrar: The Medical Officer from the AYUSH Department will be appointed as the Registrar of the Aayog. He will authenticate all decisions and resolutions passed in the meetings of Aayog. He will register yoga and naturopathy practitioners, and regulate their professional conduct. He will also maintain the register of such practitioners in the state. Appeals against the decisions of the Registrar will lie with the Aayog.
- Fund of Aayog: The fund will include the amount collected as registration and renewal fee. The fund must be maintained in a bank account of any nationalised bank. The Chairman and Registrar of the Aayog will jointly operate the bank account.
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