Mumbai: The Shiv Sena-BJP dominated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has passed a proposal making yoga and ‘Surya Namaskar,’ a yogic exercise, mandatory in all civic schools in the city despite stiff objection from opposition parties.

After a discussion over this proposal by 20 speakers, the BMC’s 227-member general body cleared the proposal tabled by BJP corporator Samita Kamble.

Supporters say the programme aims to improve the overall health of students by integrating the ancient physical and mental exercise into their daily routine.

The ruling alliance did not heed demands by the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) to make yoga optional for schools.

It also rejected the SP’s demand that Surya Namaskar, known as Sun Salutation, be deleted from proposal which it termed as a “form of Hindu worship.”

Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also opposed the proposal being made mandatory.

Speaking strongly in favour of the proposal, Kamble said, “Yoga has no connection to any particular religion, these are ancient practices which are useful for leading a healthy life. Surya Namaskar has scientific benefits and will help children in improving their concentration levels.”

BJP corporators argued that Surya Namaskar is yoga and does not have any religious connotation. Dilip Patel, a BJP corporator, said, “It has been internationally accepted that yoga is the best form of exercise. Bringing in religion is a political tactic by SP.” Another BJP corporator argued, “Surya Namaskar is a form of mediation, and if practised regularly, it will help children progress both mentally and physically.”

SP corporators have accused the BJP of trying to saffronise education, both at the Centre and in the states by bringing in such proposals.

A SP corporator Raees Sheikh said, “Making Surya Namaskar compulsory in schools is a way to promote Hindutva” since the origin of Surya Namaskar is a salutation to the Hindu deity Surya (sun), he added.

The BMC runs 1,188 primary and 49 secondary schools in Mumbai, including 400 Urdu-medium schools. Around 485,000 students study in primary schools and another 55,000 study in secondary schools.

The proposal will now be sent to Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta who will take a final decision on the matter.