UGC lays guidelines to promote fitness in educational institutions

Bhubaneswar: The University Grants Commission(UGC) released guidelines for promoting fitness and well being in universities and colleges across the country as part of the Fit India Movement.

According to the guidelines, all higher education institutes need to give priority to physical and mental fitness of students and staff. They should evolve a mechanism for implementation and monitoring of such activities, it said. They should incorporate provisions of healthcare and wellness initiatives in the objectives of the institution.

“Physical fitness period or time slots may be incorporated into the academic calendar of the institutions. The physical fitness time slots may be staggered throughout the day to enable all students to participate. All the students, staff and teachers should be encouraged to devote minimum one hour per day,” it reads.

In the guidelines, top leadership of the institutions and professors have been suggested to actively participate with students and staff in fitness activities such as cycling, running, aerobics, walkathon, marathon, yoga, meditation activities etc. on a periodic basis to lead by example.

These guidelines are applicable to all Higher Educational Institutions across the country and are rolled out to adopt policies and practices towards fitness and well being of students and staff.

“Addressing the emotional concerns of students to promote mental health. Awareness or sensitisation workshops on depression, anxiety and stress management may be organized for faculty and students. Providing guidance regarding balanced nutritional diet, distribution of pamphlets and information material on the subject,” as mentioned in the guidelines.