Yoga made compulsory at sports centres to curb sexual harassment

The government has undertaken various steps, which include making yoga compulsory at sports centres, to prevent sexual harassment of sportswomen, Parliament was told on Tuesday.

Actions have been taken against at least nine officials of various sports institutions following sexual harassment complaints against them, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

To curb such incidents and promote a healthy sports environment, the government has made yoga a “compulsory activity in Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres,” Mr. Sonowal said.

He added that yoga instructors have been engaged on part-time basis to “ensure holistic development and emotional wellbeing of the trainees”.

Besides, a round-the-clock helpline has been established for redressal of trainees’ complaints, “especially for reporting cases of sexual harassment”.

The Minister said that the other measures taken by the government include posting of full-time lady warden in sports centres, which will also have round-the-clock “security for watch and ward”.