Education News : The Union Education Ministry on Monday released guidelines for implementation of Bagless Day in classes 6 to 8. The ministry believes that this will make learning in schools more joyful, experiential and stress-free. These guidelines, developed by PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, a unit of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), have been released on the fourth anniversary of the new National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.

Make it an integral part of your study plan 

The guideline states, "The idea behind the 10 bagless days is to make them an integral part of the teaching-learning process in addition to the existing study plan of education up to class 6-8. This will not only reduce the boundaries between bookish knowledge and application of knowledge, but will also familiarize children with skill requirements in work fields, helping them decide their future career path." It is worth mentioning that NEP, 2020 recommended that all students of class 6-8 should participate in the 10-day bagless period.

Children will do internship

"Every student will take an engaging syllabus during Classes 6-8, which will include exposure and practical experience in key vocational skills such as carpentry, electrical work, metal work, gardening, pottery making, etc., as decided by the states and local communities and determined as per local skill requirements," it said. All students will also undergo a 10-day bagless period at some point during Classes 6-8, during which they will undertake an internship with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, potters, etc, the ministry said.

Two or three slots will be kept

"Any number of 10 bagless days activities can be accommodated in the annual calendar. But it is advisable to have two or three slots. While developing the annual action plan, all subject teachers may be involved. If necessary, indoor and outdoor activities may be combined on one day," the guideline states.

This activity will be

The activities covered under NCERT guidelines include visits to vegetable markets and surveys; excursions for charity work; surveys and report writing on pet care; portrait, kite making and flying; organising book fairs; sitting under a banyan tree; and visits to biogas plants and solar power parks.