Now, School Bags To Be Lighter; No Home Work for Class I and II
With school bags becoming over-sized and the quality of education declining, the Human Resources Department (HRD) has passed new guidelines wherein a standard bag weight has been prescribed for students of various classes. That means the weight of a school bag will now be lighter for primary students and heavier for secondary students.
According to the new guidelines, the standard weight is 1.5 kgs for Class I and II, 2-3 kgs for Class III, VI and V, 4 kgs for Class VI and VII, 4.5 kgs for Class VIII and IX and 5 kgs for Class X. According to the HRD ministry, the objective behind the change is to reduce stress on students and make study playful.
Besides reducing the weight of the school bags, the other guideline that would bring joy to students is that the HRD Ministry has made it clear that ‘No Home Work’ would be given to students of Std. I and II. In addition, schools have been instructed to ask students not to bring anything extra which may increase the weight of the bags.
Though the parents have welcomed the move, teachers feel it is impossible to implement the new guidelines. A teacher told Home Times, “I doubt it is possible to implement the new policy because in India there are several boards like the State Board, CBSE, ICSE, etc. Each Board follows different syllabus and books. The size and weight of the books also differ. Thus, under such a diverse scenario, it is very difficult to implement the new policy.”
In contrast, Bhavna Sheth, a Mulund resident welcomed the move. She told Home Times, “The decision should have been taken quite long back but, as the adage goes, ‘Better late than never’. I appreciate the decision as I believe most students unnecessarily carry many books as only Maths and Language books are essential in schools. Students can learn other subjects by practicals and read the content later at home in the books. It is a laudable step by the government.”
Kunjal Shah, a parent, too, applauded the decision. He said, “This is a wise decision because many times I have observed students carrying almost all the books. Due to this, the school bags become a burden. However, if parents help them and ask them to carry the books as per the school timetable. then generally the school bag load will be reduced.”
A senior citizen lady and former teacher in a school, told Home Times, “It is a good decision but the million-dollar question is: Will schools implement them? Even in 2017, a similar law was passed but nothing happened.”
She added, “I think another law must be introduced where students, instead of being taught dozens of subjects, must be taught only those subjects that increase their practical knowledge and make them skilled so that they can get jobs easily.”
“The tragedy in India is that today, quality education is missing. Teachers do their duty and students pass out from schools but, in reality, they lack practical knowledge. Hence, they do not get jobs. Thus, in schools, instead of teaching, if more emphasis is laid on learning then automatically the weight of books will reduce, and students will be better qualified, “she advised. Another parent, Khushboo Gala, while welcoming the government’s decision, said this is a progressive step and now students will carry lighter bags. Schools must follow the government’s guidelines so that the children will be spared lugging heavy school bags.
