The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bhopal): The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a novel initiative for the upcoming academic session 2024-25, designating one day a week as ‘bag less school’ for students from class 1 to 12. This decision, applicable to all government and private schools in the state, is aimed at reducing academic stress among students.
In addition to this innovative approach, the state government has also issued guidelines regarding the maximum weight of students’ school bags, categorized by class. For classes 1 and 2, the bag weight limit is set between 1.6 and 2.2 kg. The limit gradually increases with each educational level, with classes 3 to 5 having a maximum weight of 1.7 to 2.5 kg, classes 6 and 7 capped at 2 to 3 kg, class 8 at 2.5 to 4 kg, and classes 9 and 10 at 2.5 to 4.5 kg. For senior students in classes 11 and 12, the bag weight will be determined by the school management committee, based on the students’ academic stream.
School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh explained that this initiative is meant to transform schools into spaces of joy rather than stress. The ‘bag less school’ day will focus on engaging students in activities like sports, cultural programs, and music, providing a more holistic educational experience.
Strict adherence to the school bag policy will be enforced from the new academic session, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing the educational environment and prioritizing student welfare. This initiative is a step towards reducing the physical burden on students and encouraging a more enjoyable and diverse learning experience.