Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Dec 23: The department of public instruction has sent a circular to schools that school children should not carry school bags on one day in a month.

The practice has started on December 23 on an experimental basis and the department will clearly state later on which days the children should not carry school bags. Children can walk to the school without the burden of text books and note books on one day in a month. They can indulge in extra- curricular activities such as games and creative activities, stated the department of public instruction in the circular.

There are five periods of 45 minutes each on Saturdays. Quiz, mock parliament, discussions, handicrafts, preparation of learning instruments, use of library, learning through computers and such other activities will be taken up during those sessions.

The burden of school bags starts as children climb the steps of schools. School bags containing text books, note books, compass box, lunch box, water bottle are sometimes heavier than the weight of children. Their backs bend and children sometime lose their interest in studies because of the weight of bags.

The programme is being introduced here for the first time in the state. Saturday, December 23 will be first school bag-free day in 2033 government aided and unaided primary and high schools. Children on the last Saturday of the month are likely to come to schools in uniforms but without books. Teaching without books will be taken up on that day.