Light weight school bags bring smile to parents

Parents of schoolchildren in the city are a happy lot since Maharashtra government has put a limit on the weight of school bags carried by students. The government has capped the weight at 10 per cent of the body weight of kids.

The government resolution (GR) on the matter states that parents should ensure that their children are not carrying heavy bags. Parents should also ensure that they carry only the necessary books for the day and not put additional material or activity books in their bags. Moreover, schools have been asked to make arrangement for food with the consent of parents so that children need not carry tiffin boxes in their bags. The schools have also been asked to provide clean drinking water to the students.

However, some parents feel it will help only when the education department will monitor it on regular basis. Arundhati Chavan, president, United Forum, Parent Teacher Association, said: "I feel the GR has been hastily issued.

It's impact will be seen only when the rules are followed and the education department monitors it implementation by checking whether the weight of bags is actually reduced."

Nanasaheb Kute Patil, president of NGO Buland Chawa, which works in the field of education, said: "This GR will definitely stop the malpractice of schools that force children to buy a large number of books and make them carry all that to school. The government should keep an eye on the schools whether they are following the rule in toto or not."

Rupal Kanakia, director at RBK Educational Institutions, said, "We appreciate the state government decision. These initiative will help reduce the burden of students. Our institution has accepted many similar initiatives, like E-learning engagement activities, lockers and appropriate time-table have been well appreciated by both parents and students."

Raina Basu, a class V student at RBK International Academy, Chembur, said: "I am happy to know that now we will be carrying a lighter school bag. Initially, after school, I had no energy to play or study; but now I will be happy walking home with a lighter bag."

Dr Garima Anandani (PT), chief spine specialist, Qi Spine Clinic, said: "Overloaded bags aren't only responsible for back injuries, although that is the main concern. However, heavy bags can cause neck pain, shoulder strain, headaches and general exhaustion. Book bags that weigh too much may also be blamed for ankle injuries as they make children walk improperly under their oppressive weight."