Now children will not have to bear much burden on their backs, limit fixed on the weight of school bags

• New instructions issued to all government and private schools of Shimla.
• The weight of the school bag shall not exceed 10% of the body weight of the student.
• The orders were issued following complaints and directions from higher levels.

Shimla. There has been concern from parents and experts for a long time about the heavy bags of school going children. Now the Education Department has taken steps in this direction and has issued clear instructions regarding the weight of school bags.

Deputy Director of School Education (Secondary) of District Shimla has ordered the Principals and Headmasters of all government and private schools in the district that the weight of the school bag of any student should not exceed 10 percent of his body weight.

The Education Department has issued these instructions after complaints and orders received from higher levels. The department says that schools should implement this system seriously, so that there is no unnecessary burden on the students and their physical health is not adversely affected.

There will be a change in the timetable, only necessary books will have to be brought
In the order issued, schools have been asked to prepare their timetable in such a way that students have to bring to school only the books and copies required for studies on that day every day.

Schools have also been instructed to ensure that students do not bring extra books, copies and other unnecessary materials in their bags.

The department believes that if books are used as per daily studies then the weight of the school bag will automatically reduce.

In the order, it has also been asked to completely follow the guidelines issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding school bags. The department has insisted on all schools to make these instructions a part of the regular system.

Action taken report sought from all schools
Deputy Director of School Education (Secondary), District Shimla has asked all government and private schools to ensure immediate compliance with the instructions.

Also, instructions have been given to send the Action Taken Report (ATR) of the action taken in compliance with these orders in the prescribed format to the department within the stipulated time.