Guwahati: The Inspector of Schools, Kamrup (Metro) District Circle, has directed all government, provincialised and private schools in the district to strictly follow government guidelines on reducing the weight of school bags carried by students.
In an official order issued by Inspector of Schools Dipika Choudhury, schools have been instructed to ensure that school bag weights remain within the prescribed limits.
Under the guidelines, the maximum weight allowed is:
- Classes I & II – 1.5 kg
- Classes III to V – 2 to 3 kg
- Classes VI & VII – 4 kg
- Classes VIII & IX – 4.5 kg
- Class X – 5 kg
School authorities have been asked to take proactive measures to reduce the burden on students. These include informing students in advance about the books required each day, ensuring they carry only timetable-based textbooks and notebooks, and discouraging the use of unauthorized guidebooks and supplementary materials.
The order also advises parents to purchase lightweight school bags with broad padded shoulder straps and encourages students to use both shoulder straps while carrying their bags. Schools have been directed to conduct regular counselling sessions on health issues caused by heavy school bags and carry out surprise checks to prevent students from carrying unnecessary materials.
Heads of institutions have been asked to maintain records of compliance and ensure the guidelines are implemented properly.
The notification further states that district-level inspection teams will conduct random inspections. Any violation of the instructions will be viewed seriously, and action may be taken against the concerned institution.
The directive has been issued in line with earlier notifications of the Assam Government, directions of the Hon’ble High Court and guidelines of the Government of India aimed at reducing the academic and physical burden on school children.
