Bagless Day: A Great Initiative, But Private Schools in Poonch Don't Comply
Some private schools in Poonch are violating the Bagless Day directive, depriving students of a stress-free learning day. The CEO of Poonch should take action, including fines, to ensure compliance.
Ayaz Mughal
Today, On May 22, 2024, the Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated its first Bagless Day, an initiative led by the Chief Education Officer (CEO). The day aimed to give students in classes 6th, 7th, and 8th a break from their heavy school bags, promoting a more engaging and interactive learning environment. However, despite the positive vision, there have been reports of non-compliance, particularly among some private schools in the district. These schools are not only violating the order but also depriving students of a much-needed stress-free day.
What is Bagless Day?
Bagless Day is designed to create a learning environment that emphasizes practical knowledge, creativity, and skill development without the traditional use of school bags and textbooks. Instead, students participate in various activities such as visits to ICT labs, libraries, sports activities, art and craft sessions, and science explorations. These activities are intended to make learning more dynamic and enjoyable
Objectives of Bagless Day
- Reduce the physical burden of heavy school bags.
- Make learning more interactive and enjoyable.
- Foster creativity and practical skills.
- Provide a break from the routine classroom activities.
Despite the clear directive from the CEO Poonch, vide no. CEO/P/6375-6511 Dated 21-05-2024, some private schools have reportedly failed to observe Bagless Day. This non-compliance not only violates the official order but also robs students of a valuable opportunity to experience a day of stress-free, interactive learning. The circular explicitly states that all heads of schools, including both government and private institutions, are expected to participate in this initiative.
By not adhering to Bagless Day, these private schools are denying their students the benefits of a day free from the burden of heavy school bags. The benefits include reduced physical strain, a more enjoyable learning experience, and a break from routine academic pressures. Compliance from all schools ensures that every student, regardless of the type of school they attend, can experience these benefits.
Ensuring that all schools comply with Bagless Day is crucial for the success of this initiative. The benefits of a day without school bags are significant: it alleviates physical strain on students, makes learning more enjoyable, and provides a much-needed break from the regular academic routine. Compliance from all schools ensures that every student can experience these benefits, fostering a more uniform and equitable educational experience.
Bagless Day is a commendable initiative by the CEO of Poonch, aimed at making learning more engaging and less stressful for students. However, the reports of non-compliance by some private schools are concerning. It's worth noting whether the CEO will impose any penalty on the schools that violated the order or if it will just be a day without any action.
