No more heavy bags for young school kids: Meghalaya government
In a major relief to students, the Meghalaya government has put a cap on the weight of schoolbags for all classes and set restrictions on homework for classes 1 and 2. According to the state Education department, the official order issued to the school authorities is in tune with the directives of the Union Human Resources Development Ministry. Read the details here.
Weights the children carry affect their health, says Wahlang
"We have issued instructions via a notification, setting limits on the weight of school bags," Education Principal Secretary D P Wahlang said. Citing health issues as the basis for the decision, Wahlang said, "This is in line with the guidelines of the Union Human Resources Development Ministry, keeping in mind that the weights the children carry affect their health."
Redesign timetable to reduce the burden of books: Department
The department has also asked the heads of institutions to ensure that timetables are designed in a way that students don't have to carry too many books or notebooks to school. "The weight of school bags for classes 1 and 2 has been capped at 1.5 kg, while bags for those studying in classes 3 to 5 should not exceed 3 kg," they said.
For class 10, bag weight should be maximum 5 kg
For students of classes 6 to 7, the maximum weight should be 4 kg, the notification said. Similarly, the weight of school bags for classes 8 and 9 has been capped at 4.5 kg and for class X, it's up to 5 kg.
Circular: No assigning homework for classes 1-2; encourage co-curricular activities
The education department has also barred schools from assigning homework to students of classes I and II, except in subjects recommended by CBSE, ICSE or MBOSE (Meghalaya Board of School Education). "Students should not be forced to bring additional books and materials," the notification said, adding that children should be encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities for their holistic development.
