A division bench consisting of Justice V M Kanade and Justice B P Colabawala were informed by the government pleader that she had not received any instructions with regards to the decision taken and sought two weeks' time for the same.
The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the state government to implement its decision on reducing the weight of school bags within a reasonable time period. The government, based on a committee report, had earlier put a cap on the weight of school bags – that it should not exceed 10 percent of the student's body weight.
A division bench consisting of Justice V M Kanade and Justice B P Colabawala were informed by the government pleader that she had not received any instructions with regards to the decision taken and sought two weeks' time for the same. The court then said, "We understand that you (state) and schools will need time to implement the decision; but do it in a reasonable time."
However, Swati Patil, who had moved the Bombay High Court seeking a directive to the state government in reducing school bag weight, said: "The government has shifted the onus on to the schools and the parents. This is not the right way in implementing an issue which has serious health implications on the children."
According to the government resolution, parents are also called upon to ensure that the cap on the weight is followed. It is their responsibility to see to it that students only carry books that are essential. The government and schools will also keep a check by weighing bags.
As per the government-appointed committee report, children are carrying schoolbags which are 20-30% heavier than what could be carried by children of their age, because of which around 60% students below the age of 10 suffer from orthopaedic as well as stress-induced ailments.
Patil, in her public interest litigation (PIL), also produced a certificate issued by a doctor from the civic-run KEM hospital stating that children may suffer from backaches, spondylitis, neck pain, and other orthopaedic problems if they continue to carry heavy bags regularly to school. Further, Patil said that in 2006, the Education department had issued a few rules regarding the same. However, these rules were not implemented as the department then said that if possible the schools can implement them.
Meanwhile, parents have expressed delight in the state government's decision to put a cap on the weight of school bags. Some parents, whom dna spoke to, said the decision will go a long way in reducing the burden of their wards. They also demanded regular monitoring on part of the Education department to ensure that the decision is effectively implemented in toto.
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