'Dilli Ki Yogshala': Arvind Kejriwal Urges Residents To Pay For Yoga Instructors, Launches WhatsApp Number

Asserting that Delhi's two crore people were one family, the chief minister hoped that they would come out in support of the teachers.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal provided a WhatsApp number on Saturday for people to offer their support for the wages of yoga instructors through the 'Dilli Ki Yogshala' programme.Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

Dilli ki Yogshala is an outdoor yoga practice class initiative by the government of Delhi.

Those who wish to donate can send a message to 7277972779 stating their readiness to give and mentioning the number of instructors they want to sponsor. Each yoga teacher is paid Rs 15,000 per month under the plan, Kejriwal stated. 

The Delhi Chief Minister said on Twitter, "BJP had stopped yoga classes in Delhi but the people of Delhi did not allow it to stop. Delhiites are ready to pay the salary of yoga teachers together."

During a press conference, Kejriwal also accused Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and the BJP of "ruining the lives" of Delhi residents by attempting to halt yoga courses and other Aam Aadmi Party-led initiatives in the capital, PTI reported. 

Kejriwal recalled receiving messages from people offering financial assistance for the lessons.

"Whosoever wants to fund the salaries can send a message on the number saying they want to contribute for one or two teachers... We will then give them the name of the teacher and ensure that they directly hand over the cheque to that teacher," the chief minister was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. 

He further added that the contribution has to be in multiples of Rs 15,000. 

Asserting that Delhi's two crore people were one family, the chief minister hoped that they would come out in support of the teachers.

Kejriwal accused LG Saxena and the BJP of attempting to undermine the government's policies It was very painful when they stopped the yoga classes. Nearly 17,000 people were attending those classes. They said they won't pay the salaries of yoga teachers. Who stops people from doing yoga? It is a sin." 

On November 1, the administration said that the LG had not approved the extension of 'Dilli Ki Yogshala' beyond October 31, but that the government would guarantee that the yoga lessons would not cease.

According to LG Secretariat sources, Saxena's office did not receive any paperwork requesting approval to extend the programme beyond October 31.

The initiative began in December of last year and has lasted 11 months. Approximately 17,000 people participate in these classes, which are held at nearly 600 locations throughout the city.

Following a special meeting with yoga teachers, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that free yoga courses at Delhi Vidhansabha would resume on November 3.

(With Inputs From Agencies)