Have schools reduced weight of bags, Bombay High Court asks state

The Bombay High Court has asked the state government to inform within two weeks whether it has implemented the government resolution (GR) regarding reduction of schoolbags' weight. The GR was issued last year. The court also sought clarification from the state on whether the GR is to be implemented by only the government-aided schools or all recognised schools.

The outer limit for implementation of the GR issued in July was November 30, 2015. A division bench of justices Abhay Oka and G S Kulkarni thus asked the government to give details of the schools that have implemented the resolution. The court gave the direction while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Swati Patil.

In her petition, Patil sought directions to the state to ensure weight of school bags was reduced. Earlier, a government-appointed committee had concluded that the school bags were so heavy that 60 per cent of the students below the age of 10 were suffering from orthopaedic and stress-induced ailments.

The committee had recommended that one book per subject should be used for three months and the textbook weight can be reduced by using paper that weighs less and no hard cover. It also suggested increased use of e-classrooms, audio-visual technology and other technological means for teaching.

Meanwhile, government pleader Purnima Kantharia sought two weeks to seek instructions and place them in the form of an affidavit before the court. Accordingly, the court agreed and adjourned the hearing by two weeks.