Kerala Government Considers ‘Bag-Free Days’ Initiative for School Students

In an effort to alleviate the burden of heavy school bags on students, the Kerala government is contemplating the introduction of ‘bag-free days’ in schools. This initiative, which would take place at least four days a month, aims to reduce the physical strain on children caused by carrying heavy backpacks.

Government’s Response to Concerns

General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced that the government is actively considering measures to address increasing complaints from parents and education advocates regarding the weight of school bags. Despite efforts to reduce this burden by printing textbooks in two parts, concerns persist.

Proposed Measures

1. Bag-Free Days:
   • The government is considering implementing ‘bag-free days’ for students from Class 1 to Class 12. This would allow students to attend school without carrying their usual heavy backpacks on designated days each month.
2. Weight Regulations:
   • The state will issue guidelines to regulate the weight of school bags:
     • For Class 1 students: Bags should weigh between 1.6 kg and 2.2 kg.
     • For Class 10 students: Bags should weigh between 2.5 kg and 4.5 kg.

Rationale and Benefits

The initiative aims to:

• Reduce Physical Strain: By designating certain days as ‘bag-free,’ the physical load on students will be significantly reduced, promoting better posture and physical health.
• Encourage Alternative Learning Methods: Bag-free days could foster creative teaching methods that do not rely on traditional textbooks, such as interactive activities, group discussions, and experiential learning.

Next Steps

The Kerala government is expected to make a final decision on the implementation of this initiative soon. This move reflects a broader commitment to improving the public education system and responding to the needs and concerns of students and parents.

By introducing bag-free days and regulating the weight of school bags, Kerala aims to create a more conducive and stress-free learning environment for its students.