The ministry said all students would participate in the 10-day bagless period sometime during classes 6-8 during which they would intern with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, potters, etc.

The Union Ministry of Education has issued new guidelines that will alter the manner of learning among students from classes 6 to 8 with the introduction of “bagless days.” This was announced on Monday as part of a move to make education more enjoyable, hands-on, and stress-free on the fourth anniversary of the NEP-2020.

These have been carefully prepared by the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, New Delhi, a unit of the NCERT. The basic objectives are to reduce the physical load of school bags and to provide an enhanced learning environment in schools that is more engaging and absorbing.

Periodic bagless days will be followed, the days on which the children would also be permitted to indulge in vocational and extra-curricular activities. This provision is aimed at enriching practical skills and experience-based learning. Activities related to arts, crafts, sports, gardening, and many other such creative fields for all-round development can be taken up.

It lays emphasis on the fact that learning has to be enjoyable. For this, the Ministry shall undertake a number of steps, such as reducing academic pressure and focusing on innovative and experiential teaching, with an emphasis on developing love for learning amongst students. At the core, this shall also go a long way in serving a more comprehensive vision of NEP 2020 taken up with the purpose of transforming India’s education system through flexibility, creativity, and multi-disciplinarity.

Thus, the announcement underlines the commitment of the government toward the execution of the NEP 2020 and providing students with overall education. With less burden and more enjoyment in learning, there should be better well-being and academic outcomes for the students, hopes the Ministry.

Overall, the introduction of bagless days is one such initiative that can bring about a better balance between a balanced and student-centered system of education. The fact that experiential and joyful learning will find a place in the Ministry of Education enunciates an even broader vision in the nurturing of young minds toward being prepared for the challenges ahead.