In a landmark policy shift that positions India’s spiritual heartland at the center of the global wellness movement, the state of Uttarakhand has unveiled the country’s first comprehensive Yoga Policy. The initiative, which was formally approved by the state cabinet this week, is designed to integrate yoga into mainstream sectors including education, healthcare, employment, and tourism—transforming Uttarakhand into a full-fledged international hub for yogic science and practice.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, announcing the move on Wednesday, said the policy would “lay the foundation for a robust and structured yoga ecosystem,” one that is accessible, inclusive, and economically impactful. “We’re not just reviving a tradition—we’re building a future,” Dhami added.
A Roadmap to Global Yoga Leadership
At the heart of the policy is a sweeping plan to establish five world-class “Yoga Wellness Zones” across Uttarakhand—in Jageshwar, Mukteshwar, Vyas Valley, Tehri Lake, and Kolidhek Lake—by the year 2030. These will complement the existing spiritual infrastructure in Rishikesh, often referred to as the yoga capital of the world.
To ensure quality and credibility, a dedicated Directorate of Yoga and Naturopathy will oversee registration, regulation, and monitoring of yoga centers. The directorate will also drive international collaborations and maintain a live register of practitioners and certified institutions.
Education, Employment, and Digital Reach
One of the most transformative aspects of the policy is its integration into the state’s education system. Yoga will now be a formal part of school and college curricula, aiming to instill holistic wellness practices from an early age.
On the employment front, the policy sets an ambitious target—certification of 2,500 yoga trainers and job creation for over 10,000 instructors. Financial incentives have also been earmarked: centers in hill districts are eligible for grants up to ₹20 lakh, while those in the plains can avail up to ₹10 lakh.
In a move to digitalize access, a state-managed online platform will streamline the registration of yoga centers, offer resources to practitioners, and promote Uttarakhand’s yoga offerings globally.
Budget, Research and the Future of Wellness
The government has committed ₹35 crore for the initial five-year implementation phase. This includes ₹25 crore for infrastructure, ₹1 crore for research, ₹1.81 crore for certifications, and ₹7.5 crore to strengthen yoga in existing educational institutions.
Uttarakhand also plans to host international yoga festivals and conferences to further elevate its profile on the global stage.
The policy’s inclusion of research funding—a relatively new focus in public yoga discourse—underscores a shift toward evidence-based wellness. The state will support academic studies on the therapeutic benefits of yoga, mindfulness, and naturopathy, with an aim to standardize practice and build credibility in the medical and wellness communities.