10 ‘Bagless Days’ in schools; guidelines issued

NEW DELHI: Classes 6 to 8 in Delhi schools will be made bag-free for 10 days, as per the instructions of the Union Education Ministry. The Delhi Directorate of Education has issued guidelines detailing what needs to be done in those days. On ‘Bagless Days’, students should visit historical monuments, cultural places and tourist spots. The guidelines say that ten days should be utilized to get acquainted with artists, artisans, etc. and to understand different concepts and traditional information. The happiness curriculum model implemented earlier in Delhi should continue.

The guidelines were prepared by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as part of the new National Education Policy. The Union Education Ministry had proposed to implement 10 bagless days for classes 6-8 in July this year. It is aimed at reducing the boundaries between book knowledge and practical knowledge and ensuring skill training in vocational areas. Every student in classes 6-8 should also do interesting short courses. The Ministry of Education had also suggested that students should undergo training in carpentry, electric work, metal work, gardening, pottery making, etc.