The Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) has instructed all States and Union Territories to formulate guidelines to regulate the teaching of subjects and weight of the school bag in accordance to the instructions of the Government of India.
The move is in line with a Madras High Court order that aimed at easing the burden on young school children who are forced to carry heavy school bags.
Senior NCERT official while confirming the development said, “The ministry guidelines are in adherence to the Madras High Court order on the weight of school bags.”
In June 2018, a PIL was filed in the Supra Court as well seeking a reduction in weight of school bags, citing health implications.
Ministry guidelines:
According to the norms, the weight of the bag for classes I and II should only be 1.5 kg.
The weight of the bag for classes 3 to 5 is 4 Kg.
The weight of the bag for classes 6 and 7 is 4.5 kg.
The weight of the bag for classes VIII to X should not exceed 5 kg.
The Ministry also asks schools not to assign any homework to students in classes 1 and 2.
As per the guidelines, schools should not be allowed to prescribe anything other than NCERT textbooks in classes.
The schools should not ask students to bring extra books or study material to school.
