New Delhi, March 15 (IANS): 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.

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

To curb such incidents and promote a healthy sports environment, the government has made yoga a "compulsory ativity in Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres", the minister 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, "specially 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".

"The government has issued instructions to all sports federations...to take appropriate measures to prevent sexual harassment of women in sports," Sonowal said. 

He added that they have also been asked to form panels headed by a woman for redressal of such complaints.