In a progressive move, the Delhi government has introduced "10 Bagless Days" for students in classes 6 to 8, a part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, to promote interactive and holistic learning.
This initiative encourages schools to abandon traditional textbook-based teaching, replacing it with engaging activities that foster creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. The initiative will benefit over 1,500 government and private schools, reaching approximately 1 million students.
During the designated "bagless" days, students will participate in arts and crafts, debates, quizzes, and outdoor excursions. In addition, schools will conduct workshops on practical life skills, including cooking, gardening, first aid, and other vocational training that emphasises experiential learning. The goal is to provide students with opportunities for hands-on experiences that will help develop essential skills beyond the academic curriculum.
This initiative is part of a more significant effort to address students' mental and physical burdens due to heavy school bags and rigorous academic schedules. By taking a break from the conventional classroom setting, "10 Bagless Days" is designed to create a more balanced and enriching educational environment, promoting students' overall well-being. It also encourages teachers to explore innovative teaching methods, focusing on student-centred learning rather than rote memorization.
The Delhi government sees this initiative as a transformative step toward modernizing the education system, aligning it with global standards of holistic development. This pilot effort aims to inspire other states to adopt similar practices, contributing to the overall reform of India’s educational framework under the NEP 2020 guidelines.
The "10 Bagless Days" initiative is also seen as an opportunity to foster a more collaborative relationship between teachers, students, and the community. Parents and educators have lauded the move as an essential shift in how education is perceived and delivered in the country. By enhancing the overall educational experience, the initiative seeks to develop well-rounded individuals equipped with practical skills and a better understanding of the world around them.
With the introduction of this program, Delhi sets an example for others, reinforcing the importance of reducing academic stress while nurturing creativity and curiosity in the younger generation.