The Punjab School Education Department has issued significant new directives aimed at providing relief to students by reducing the burden of heavy school bags and making academic life healthier and less stressful. These reforms, issued from the District Education Office in Chandigarh, are expected to improve student wellbeing and school culture across government, aided, and private schools throughout the state.
Reducing Heavy School Bag Burden
In a major relief for students, the Education Department has mandated that no student’s school bag should weigh more than 10% of their body weight. This move recognizes the growing concerns about health issues — especially spinal problems — resulting from carrying excessively heavy backpacks. To ensure compliance, the circular clearly states that only textbooks listed in the approved syllabus are to be included; extra guidebooks, reference books, or workbooks will no longer be compulsory.
In addition, schools are now instructed to design timetables so that students do not need to carry all subject books on a single day. The timetable guidelines differ according to class standards:
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Pre-Primary, Classes 1–2: Priority on activity-based learning with minimal homework and fewer books.
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Classes 3–5: Limited books according to daily subjects.
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Classes 6–8: Structured timetable to reduce daily workload.
Locker Facilities and Monitoring Committees
For older students in Classes 9–12, schools are encouraged to provide classroom lockers or shelves so that students can store books safely instead of carrying them back and forth from home. These measures aim to help reduce back strain and promote organization.
Furthermore, the circular makes it mandatory for each school to form a School Bag Monitoring Committee, led by the school head. This committee will:
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Conduct fortnightly bag weight checks.
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Maintain written records of these checks.
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Work with parents to promote adherence to the new guidelines.
Parents, Schools to Collaborate
Schools must actively involve parents by explaining the regulations and advising them not to send unnecessary items in students’ bags. The District Education Office has given a deadline of 7 days for schools to submit reports confirming that they have implemented the new orders. Officials have stressed that violations could lead to strict action.
Impact on Student Health and Learning
Experts and parents have welcomed the directive, saying it will not only reduce physical strain but also encourage more focused learning. By cutting down unnecessary materials and ensuring a balanced timetable, the education system aims to foster a healthier environment in which students can thrive academically and physically.
