NEW DELHI: Delhi government today decided to launch a unique initiative under which school teachers will be given 'Vipasana' training aimed at lowering their stress levels and helping them inculcate "values" among students.
The government said the training will be on a voluntary basis and initially 'Vipassana' and 'Anapana' meditation sessions will be introduced.
"To re-inculcate core human values and save children from vices like violence, rage, stealing, lying, intoxicants, sexual misconduct etc, it has been decided to train teachers and officers in time tested scientific and secular practices of Vipassana and Anapana," the government said.
Under the scheme, interested teachers will be given 10-days meditation training.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, said, "Preparations are afoot to train students of government school in Vipassana mediation."
"Teachers of these schools will be taught Vipassana and orders have been issued in this regard. They will be sent for training in Vipassana at official expenditure," he said.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is an ardent practitioner of Vipassana, an ancient meditation technique.
"Vipassana will be helpful in personality development and stress management," said Sisodia.
A senior official said boarding and lodging at the Vipasana centres will be free of cost.
"It has been decided that teachers and officers who volunteer to go for this training will be considered on duty and TA/DA will be provided on submission of certificate issued by Vipassana centres on successful completion of training," a government release said.