Bagless Days for Classes 6-8: A New Chapter in Indian Education
New Delhi: The Union Education Ministry has unveiled a set of guidelines aimed at making learning more enjoyable, experiential, and stress-free for students in classes 6 to 8. A key component of these guidelines is the introduction of ‘bagless days’.
In line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, all students in these grades will participate in a 10-day bagless period. The idea is to move beyond traditional classroom learning and expose students to practical skills and real-world experiences.
During these bagless days, students will intern with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, and potters. The ministry emphasizes that these days should be integrated into the overall curriculum rather than treated as an isolated activity.
The guidelines also suggest a range of activities that can be incorporated into the bagless days, including visiting markets, engaging in charity work, exploring nature, and organizing events.
The initiative is part of a wider effort to transform India’s education system, making it more holistic and student-centric. By focusing on experiential learning and skill development, the government aims to equip students with the necessary competencies for the 21st century.
Other Key Announcements
The ministry also announced several other initiatives on the fourth anniversary of the NEP 2020, including:
- Dedicated TV channels for teaching Indian languages
- Primers for early graders in 25 Indian languages
- Career guidance guidelines
- National Mission for Mentoring and National Professional Standards for Teachers in braille and audiobooks
- School innovation marathon by AICTE
- Books and lecture notes on Indian knowledge systems
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his optimism about the transformative potential of the NEP, stating that it will help India harness its demographic dividend and drive socio-economic development.
The government is hopeful that these initiatives will contribute to creating a more vibrant and future-oriented education system in India.