Union Ministry of Education unveils Guidelines for Bagless Days in Schools

The guidelines mandate that every student will partake in a 10-day bagless period during Classes 6 to 8. During this time, students will have the opportunity to intern with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, and potters.

The Union Ministry of Education announced new guidelines to introduce bagless days for Classes 6 to 8, to make school learning more enjoyable, experiential, and less stressful. The guidelines, developed by the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education—a branch of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT)—were unveiled on the fourth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

10-Day Bagless Period to Enhance Practical Learning

The guidelines mandate that every student will partake in a 10-day bagless period during Classes 6 to 8. During this time, students will have the opportunity to intern with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, and potters. The initiative aims to integrate these bagless days into the core teaching-learning process, rather than treating them as supplementary activities. This approach is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, while also providing students with insights into various career paths.

Fun and Hands-On Vocational Courses

According to the guidelines, students will engage in hands-on vocational courses that cover a range of important crafts, including carpentry, electrical work, metal work, gardening, and pottery. These courses will be tailored to local needs and preferences, as determined by states and communities. The aim is to offer a comprehensive exposure to different skills, aiding students in making informed decisions about their future careers.

Flexible Scheduling for Bagless Activities

The guidelines suggest that the 10 bagless days can be spread across multiple slots within the academic year. It is recommended to incorporate two or three distinct slots for these activities. Teachers across all subjects are encouraged to collaborate in planning these activities, which may include both indoor and outdoor components.

Recommended Activities and Initiatives

The NCERT guidelines propose various engaging activities, including visits to vegetable markets, charity organizations, and biogas plants, as well as surveys on pet care, kite making, and book fairs. Activities like doodling, sitting under a banyan tree, and exploring solar energy parks are also included to enrich the students' learning experience.

Additional NEP Announcements

In addition to the Bagless Days initiative, several other advancements were announced on the NEP anniversary. These include the launch of dedicated TV channels for Indian languages, a Tamil channel, primers for early graders in 25 languages, and career guidance guidelines. The National Mission for Mentoring and National Professional Standards for Teachers have been made available in braille and audiobooks. Furthermore, the All India Council for Technical Education introduced a school innovation marathon, and a book detailing graduation attributes and professional competencies was released. Additionally, four books and lecture notes aimed at promoting Indian knowledge systems among students and teachers were unveiled.

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