Education ministry introduces bagless days for classes 6-8
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The Union education ministry has issued new guidelines to implement bagless days for students in classes 6-8, aiming to make school learning more joyful, experiential, and stress-free.
This initiative, developed by PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, a part of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), marks the fourth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The NEP 2020 recommends a 10-day bagless period for all students in classes 6-8.
According to the new guidelines, these bagless days are designed to be an integral part of the educational process, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The initiative also aims to expose students to various vocational skills, assisting them in exploring potential career paths.
During these 10 days, students will engage in hands-on courses in vocational crafts such as carpentry, electrical work, metalworking, gardening, and pottery. These activities will be determined by state and local community needs, reflecting local skilling requirements. The students will also intern with local vocational experts, gaining practical experience.
The guidelines suggest incorporating these activities into the school calendar in multiple slots, ideally two or three, with participation from all subject teachers. The activities can include a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, such as visiting vegetable markets, organizing charity events, learning pet care, kite making, and visiting biogas plants or solar energy parks.
On the anniversary of NEP 2020, several other initiatives were launched, including dedicated TV channels for learning Indian languages, primers for early graders in 25 languages, career guidance guidelines, the National Mission for Mentoring, and resources for teachers such as professional standards in braille and audiobooks. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) also introduced a school innovation marathon and a book on graduation attributes and professional competencies.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the NEP 2020 aims to transform the educational landscape, empower the population, and drive socio-economic development. He noted that the policy has made learning more vibrant and outcome-oriented, aligning with the country's vision for a futuristic and globally competitive education system.
The Akhil Bharatiya Siksha Samagam event was also highlighted as a celebration of NEP 2020's adoption and a call for collaborative efforts to achieve shared educational goals.