Manipur education minister Thokchom Radheshyam on Saturday interacted with school students seeking feedback over the ‘No Schoolbag Day’ policy.
The Manipur government has introduced a policy, according to which, the students are not required to carry schoolbags to their schools on Saturdays.
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Radheshyam met students of Wangkhem Junior High School in Thoubal district.
He said the policy – No Schoolbag Day – has been implemented with objectives of making schools a more joyful place of learning and teaching.
The state education department issued an office memorandum regarding the policy on September 3 last for students studying in Class I-VIII in all the private, government-aided and government schools.
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Reacting to minister’s query about the introduction of the new policy, the students said with no school bags, they feel very free and at ease in coming to school.
They informed the minister that co-curricular activities have helped them overcome fear.
They also expressed that on Saturdays, they have learnt more about debate, extempore speech, dance, sports and discussions.
The government directed the schools to ensure that on ‘No Schoolbags Day’, the students take part in extra co-curricular activities, sports, recreation and make the school a more joyful place for learning.
The minister termed the presence of the parents during the interaction as a “welcoming step”.
It will encourage the children to participate in the activities at school, he said.
“Involvement of parents and other stakeholders is a must for overall development of the school and bring about a more holistic development of a child,” he added.
He further said the co-curricular activities at school will make the students more at ease while approaching the teachers.
Stating that education is not just about book and ranks and to get a job, Radheshyam said the policy will help in building positive culture amongst the children.
He also said it will provide a platform for innovative ideas and reduce the 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.