Burden of education reduced

Government tells HC that resolution to reduce weight of school bags has been a success

The state government informed the Bombay High Court yesterday that around 87.45% of schools have implemented the government resolution to reduce weight of school bags to 10% of the student’s weight. The state said during their inspection of 17,235 schools, in which bags of 394299 students were checked by around 2436 government officials, 344820 students were found to be following the order issued last year.

Appearing for the government, Poornima Kantharia told the bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Amjad Sayed, “The resolution is being widely followed and results have been positive.” She informed 12.55% schools were yet to follow the order, but efforts were being made to facilitate the same.

Petitioner Swati Patil’s counsel, Nitesh Nivase, however, expressed his doubts over the state’s claims, saying an RTI query on the same in Kolhapur had thrown up the same figure of 87.45% compliance. Patil said, “In Nasik only 300 out of 5468 schools were examined and in Dhule 300 out of 1960. So, how can the state claim 87.45% compliance?” Justice Oka, however, seemed satisfied with the state’s efforts and asked them to consider the petitioner’s suggestions.

What the resolution said...
The state had suggested the overall weight of a school bag should not exceed 10% of the student’s weight. The resolution also highlighted use of 100-page notebooks and storing of art, craft and essay books in school. It also stressed on thinner and lesser books for a subject. Usage of tablet phones was also encouraged.

POPCORN
6-year-old student: Total weight of bag should be 1800 gms
9-year-old student: Total weight of bag should be 2685 gms
12-year-old student: Total weight of bag should be 3325 gms

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