SCPCR Nagaland asks DoSE to notify schools on minimising adverse effects of heavy school bags
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 18 (MExN): A recent study conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has highlighted the adverse effects of heavy school bags that children have to carry to school every day.
In light of this, a press release from the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Nagaland has asked the Department of School Education (DoSE) to notify schools in Nagaland on several measures recommended by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
“Though providing lockers in schools and reducing reference books are effective measures, it has been felt that the problem needs to be addressed on a larger level,” it stated.
The SCPCR Nagaland asked the State Department of School Education to ensure that the weight of schoolbags is not more than 10 percent of the weight of the child.
Also, children in pre-primary classes should not carry any books/notebooks to school, it recommended. To bring effective change, sensitisation and awareness is required at three levels – for Principals, Teachers and Parents. For this, it asked that appropriate short term awareness/training programmes be conducted.
Meanwhile, the SCPCR also asked that schools be notified to issue guidelines for all students to carry books as per the timetable and also suggest suitable, safe ways to carry bags.
“Also, schools should issue directions to all teachers to pre-inform students about the books/notebooks to be carried on a particular day,” it added.
It further recommended that action be taken against any school not following the guidelines.
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