Opinion | Easing the Load – Practical Ways to Reduce School Bag Weigh

The sight of children lugging heavy school bags has become a common phenomenon in India, raising concerns about their health and well-being. The burden of textbooks, notebooks, and other study materials is taking a toll on young students, leading to fatigue, back pain, and stress. It’s time to rethink the education system and explore ways to lighten the load. The burden of heavy school bags on students is a pressing concern. Textbooks may be split up chapter-wise, and schools with the required financial resources could provide locker facilities for students, as in Western countries. There are many methods to reduce the weight of school bags, but nobody bothers to do anything about it. Splitting up textbooks and notebooks is a good step, but school authorities may ask students to bring all portions of the split-up books to school. Strict compliance orders should be passed to regulate the load of school bags to minimize it to less than one kg. Schools should provide snacks and food to students from the school and collect the expense from parents.

Most schools have eight to nine periods, which means fewer books have to be carried daily. Part of the homework should be done in class, and children up to Class IV should not be given homework. Their textbooks could be left in school. It should be mandatory for schools to admit students living no more than 5 km from the school, reducing travel time. Textbooks, notebooks, and homework assignments may be given during weekends for parents to review. Term-wise, one book/notebook for all subjects could be used, and heavy books or files could be left in the classroom. Craft kits, drawing and painting accessories, and pencil boxes need not be carried daily.

School authorities should stipulate norms for students to bring books and materials according to the day’s timetable. Textbooks along with notebooks are needed for language study only. For core subjects like social science, general science, and mathematics, notebooks alone can be brought, and textbooks can be kept at home.

The current education system is goal-oriented, focusing on examinations rather than learning. Daily observations by teachers should be the basis for promoting or detaining students. It’s time to lighten school bags and prioritize students’ health.

The State Human Rights Commission’s recommendation to reduce school bag burden is a welcome move. Splitting textbooks term-wise and providing desks with locks can help. Many schools abroad follow this system, making students feel comfortable and happy about going to school. School authorities should keep textbooks and notebooks in school, allowing children to learn during school hours and carry home only workbooks. Classes could get over by 2:30 p.m., giving children time to rest, do homework, and pursue hobbies.

By adopting simple strategies like packing smart and using digital resources, we can reduce the school bag burden. This can lead to improved health, increased productivity, and a more enjoyable learning experience. Let’s work together to create a healthier education system for our children.

Dr. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit Free-Lance Journalist, Writer & Cartoonist Limca Book of Record Holder (7 Times)dixitpatrakar@yahoo.in B-15 Jyoti-Kalash Society, Jodhpur Tekra Satellite Ahmedabad – 380 015