Fresh Approach to Learning: Education Ministry's New Bagless Days for Middle School

Education Ministry Announces Bagless Days for Grades 6-8

The modern educational landscape is evolving, placing a greater focus on experiential learning and practical experiences. The Union Education Ministry unveiled new regulations on July 29 for bag-free days in grades 6–8, intending to enhance school learning with more fun, excitement, and relaxation. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marked its fourth anniversary when the guidelines, created by the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education under NCERT, were unveiled. A 10-day bag-free time, suggested by NEP 2020 for students of classes 6-8 should be an essential part of the teaching process rather than being only a supplement to the current curriculum. The bagless concept seeks to introduce a variety of abilities and professional pathways while bridging the knowledge gap between theory and practice.

During this engaging time, students in grades 6 through 8 will gain practical experience in a variety of vocational crafts, including carpentry, electrical work, metalwork, gardening, and ceramics, with crafts chosen based on community involvement and local needs. Local vocational experts will provide training to students during this bagless period to obtain hands-on experience in these sectors. The guidelines suggest spreading the 10 bag-free days throughout the year, ideally across two or three-time slots. Planning should involve all subject teachers, with the option to combine indoor and outdoor activities on the same day. NCERT guidelines recommended that activities can be planned such as visits to vegetable markets, survey and report writing on pet care, doodling, making and flying kites, planning a book fair, sitting under a banyan tree, visiting a biogas factory and solar energy park. 

On the celebration of the NEP anniversary, several initiatives were launched, including a specific Tamil channel and various TV channels to learn Indian languages. Other highlights include primers for early graders in 25 languages, career guidance guidelines, and resources for the National Mission for Mentoring and National Professional Standards for Teachers in Braille and audiobooks. Additionally, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) introduced a school innovation marathon, and a book on graduation attributes and professional competencies was released. To promote Indian knowledge systems for students and teachers four books and lecture notes were also launched. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that the four-year journey of NEP 2020 mainly focused on transformative changes in the education system, aiming to nurture a new generation of learners. NEP 2020 emerged as a beacon of hope for transforming the learning landscape, leveraging the country’s demographic dividend and driving socio-economic development he added.

The Akhil Bharatiya Siksha Samagam aims to celebrate the adoption of NEP 2020, reaffirm stakeholders' commitment to its successful implementation, and harness collective effort to achieve shared goals through collaboration.

Editor’s Note:

Here is the time for a transformational shift in the educational landscape as the Education Ministry introduced new guidelines for bagless days in classes 6-8. The 10 days will be utilized by providing various vocational courses and training by experts which will ensure the holistic development of students. This initiative will inculcate practical experience in students and make education more engaging and less burdensome for them. NEP 2020 empowered the education system and changed the thought process of learners and parents as it gave a ray of hope to nurture the students with not only knowledge but also make them ready for the future.

Skoobuzz congratulates NEP 2020 for completing four years of its journey successfully and the Education Ministry for taking the step for the well-being of students, to make them burden-free.