The Uttarakhand government plans to implement 10 bag-free days per academic session across all state schools to decrease the burden of books on students. Upper primary and secondary schools will observe one bag-free day on the last Saturday of each month from class 6 to class 12 in every academic year. This initiative aligns with the guidelines of the new National Education Policy, 2020.
On these designated days, students will be able to attend school without carrying books and engage in a various activities that align with their interests and abilities.
On the bag-free days, students will take lessons in soil management, machine learning, pottery, woodwork, calligraphy, health education, communication skills, nature conservation, welding, casting, stitching, and robotics.
State Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat explained in a statement that the decision has been made to facilitate the comprehensive development of school children. This initiative aims to enable students to enhance their special skills, showcasing their inborn talents, while focusing on their academic studies. The scheme is currently operational in Uttarakhand’s primary schools, where designated days, known as Pratibha Diwas, allow students to participate in activities of their preference.
The state government’s decision to implement bag-free days in schools across the state has been praised by various parent and teacher associations as a noteworthy move towards the holistic development of students. The state education minister gave approval to a departmental proposal for this initiative on Tuesday. Officials mentioned that once a government order is issued, the implementation process will commence. The bag-free days are scheduled to be introduced from the upcoming academic session beginning in April.
