Karnataka takes steps to limit weight of School Bags

Following the order of the Ministry of Human Resource and Development, the government of Karnataka has taken the necessary steps and has issued the guidelines for the school.

The government has issued guidelines to reduce the weight of schoolbags. The government of Karnataka has issued a circular to all schools government, aided and unaided to take necessary steps to ensure that the weight of a schoolbag is not more than 10% of the child’s weight.

What does the Circular Say?

• The bag of a student in Class 1 or 2 would weigh no more than 2 kg and the bag can weigh anywhere between 2 and 3 kg for students from Class 3 to 5.
• The prescribed weight increases progressively, with students in Class 9 and 10 allowed carrying bags in the 4-5 kg range.
• Further, students in Classes 1 and 2 should not be given any homework. Schools must set a timetable in advance, which will limit the number of books that have to be brought to class every day. All classwork should be kept in the school itself, either in files or books.
• Schools have been asked to provide some space in classrooms where students can store their notebooks and textbooks.
• Schools have been asked to make provisions for drinking water facilities so students don’t have to carry water bottles.
• The third Saturday of every month would be observed as a “No School Bag Day” and on that day, teachers are required to engage students without any books or supplementary materials. The suggested activities on No school bag day include field visits, general knowledge clubs, art classes, indoor and outdoor games, abacus, dance classes, and debates.

Further, the government has asked the management of schools to create awareness about the health hazards of lugging heavy school bags.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2019