‘No School Bag Day’ policy in Manipur help students learn more co-curricular activities

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 26 (EMN): As part of “No School Bag Day” policy, implemented by the department of Education (Schools), Manipur for all working Saturdays, Education Minister Thokchom Radheshyam interacted with high school students in Thoubal district to collect feedback from the students about the policy on Saturday.
Reacting to the minister’s query about the introduction of the new policy, the students of Wangkhem Junior High School said it helps them in learning more about co-curricular activities.

“With no school bags they feel very free and ease in coming to school. Co-curricular activities have helped us overcome the stage fear,” students told the minister.

They also expressed that they have learn more about debate, extempore speech, dance, sports and discussions.

Radheshyam said that the policy has been implemented with objectives of making schools a more joyful place of learning and teaching.

While appreciating the parents’ presence in the school, the minister said that it is a very welcoming step and it will encourage the children to participate the school activities.

He maintained that involvement of parents and other stakeholders is a must for overall development of the school to bring about a more holistic development of a child.

Co-curricular activities at school will make the students more ease while approaching the teachers, he added.

Stating that Education is not just about book and ranks and to get a job, Radheshyam said that the policy will help in building positive culture amongst the children, providing platform for innovative ideas and to reduce stress and harmful effects of carrying heavy bags by the young children. Education is to make a person aware about healthy life, to let others live a good life and earn knowledge to make the world a better place to live in, he added.

“No School Bag Day” was implemented by the department of Education (Schools), Manipur for all working Saturdays in respect of all children studying in classes I-VIII in all the schools in the state following an office memorandum on September 3. The step has been taken up considering inconveniences, health problems and discomfort faced by the students for their physical and mental efforts of carrying heavy school bags every day.

To organise the “No School Bag Day” in a more structured and purposeful manner, efforts to add various extra and co-curricular activities which are age-appropriate are also being planned.

Later, the ministerial team accompanied by Zonal Education Officer Arambam Anilkumar and officials visited Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School in Thoubal wherein the 40th Zonal-Level Science Exhibition for School Children 2019-20 was held under the theme “Science & Technology for sustainable development.”