To the delight of children, the Centre has directed states to let them carry a lighter bag to school after the pandemic-induced long break, and actually go without bags for one-third of the academic year. 

At least 10 “bagless” days will be provided to the children of classes 1-12 each month.

In line with the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, vocational training will be introduced for students in classes 6-12. Vocational training could include engagement with local professionals and artisans, such as agriculturists, horticulturists, carpenters and potters. 

The states were instructed by the Union education ministry to follow the instructions in their letter and spirit, The New Indian Express reported. 

The letter that was sent to school education secretaries in all the states also directed that the weight of the school bag of students from first to tenth grade should not exceed 10% of the student’s weight. Further, students studying in pre-primary classes should not be made to carry bags to schools. 

While third to fifth grade students will have to keep two notebooks for classroom tasks, first and second grade students will have to keep only one.

All schools have been directed to install the digital machine to check the weight of the bag. The letter further said that school bags should be lightweight and hanging on both shoulders.