Himachal Pradesh government has taken important steps towards reducing the increasing burden of school bags of school children. The Education Department has issued new guidelines for government and private schools, making it clear that the weight of any student’s school bag should not exceed 10 percent of his total body weight. The objective of this decision is to relieve students from unnecessary academic pressure and ensure the safety of their physical health.
Instructions issued to all schools
On behalf of the Deputy Director of School Education, District Shimla, instructions in this regard have been issued to the principals and headmasters of all government and private schools in the district. The department has said that complaints were being received continuously regarding heavy school bags of students, after which this step has been taken in accordance with the instructions received from the higher level.
The Education Department has instructed schools to prepare their daily timetable in such a way that students have to bring only books and copies of the subjects taught on that day. With this, children will not need to carry unnecessary books every day and the weight of the school bag will automatically reduce.
Will also keep an eye on bringing extra luggage
Schools have also been asked to ensure that students do not bring excessive books, copies or other unnecessary material in their bags. The school administration has been entrusted with the responsibility of regularly monitoring and making students aware in this regard.
The Education Department has also made it clear in the orders that it will be mandatory to follow all the guidelines issued by the National Human Rights Commission regarding the weight of school bags. Instructions have been given to make these standards a part of the regular functioning of schools, so that all students can get an equal and safe educational environment.
Department asked for compliance report
Both government and private schools have been asked to implement these instructions with immediate effect. Also, every school will have to send the Action Taken Report i.e. ATR in the prescribed format to the Education Department within the stipulated time of the action taken in compliance with the orders. The department will review the compliance of rules in schools on the basis of these reports.
Education experts believe that if these instructions are followed effectively, students will get relief to a great extent from back, neck and shoulder problems occurring at an early age. Besides, the learning environment will also become more organized and student-centric.