The Union Education Ministry has released new guidelines aimed at making learning for students in classes 6-8 more joyful, experiential, and stress-free by implementing bagless days. These guidelines, developed by the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, a unit of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), were announced on the fourth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Points of the New Guidelines
- Objective and Implementation:
- The NEP 2020 recommended that students in classes 6-8 should participate in a 10-day bagless period each year.
- The initiative aims to integrate these bagless days into the regular teaching and learning process rather than treating them as an additional activity. This approach is intended to blur the lines between theoretical knowledge and practical application, exposing students to various vocational skills and helping them make informed career choices.
- Vocational Training:
- During these 10 bagless days, students will engage in fun courses that provide hands-on experience in various vocational crafts such as carpentry, electric work, metal work, gardening, pottery making, etc. The specific crafts will be determined by states and local communities based on local skilling needs.
- Students will intern with local vocational experts, giving them practical exposure and insights into different trades.
- Annual Planning:
- The 10 bagless days can be spread over two or three slots throughout the academic year. All subject teachers should be involved in planning these activities, which may include both indoor and outdoor tasks.
- Recommended Activities:
- The NCERT guidelines suggest activities such as visiting and surveying vegetable markets, conducting charity visits, writing reports on pet care, doodling, kite making and flying, organizing book fairs, sitting under a banyan tree, and visiting biogas plants and solar energy parks.
Additional Initiatives on NEP Anniversary
To mark the fourth anniversary of NEP 2020, several other educational initiatives were also launched:
- Dedicated TV Channels: New channels to facilitate the learning of various Indian languages, including a dedicated Tamil channel.
- Educational Primers: Primers for early graders in 25 Indian languages were introduced.
- Career Guidance: Career guidance guidelines were provided.
- National Mission for Mentoring: Launched to offer mentorship.
- Professional Standards for Teachers: Standards were introduced in braille and audiobooks.
- School Innovation Marathon: Organized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
- Indian Knowledge Systems: Four books and lecture notes aimed at promoting Indian knowledge systems among students and teachers.
Statement from the Education Minister
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the transformative journey of the NEP 2020 in his message, emphasizing the policy’s role in making learning more vibrant and futuristic. He noted that NEP 2020 stands as a symbol of hope, aiming to transform the learning landscape, harness the country’s demographic dividend, empower the population, and drive socio-economic development. The minister praised the NEP’s role in fostering a collaborative effort towards achieving shared educational goals.
Conclusion
The new guidelines and initiatives are part of the ongoing efforts to implement the NEP 2020, which seeks to bring about a transformative change in India’s education system. By focusing on joyful and experiential learning, the Union Education Ministry aims to make education more engaging and practical for students, thereby better preparing them for future career paths and life skills.
