Kerala Plans Measures to Reduce School Bag Weight; Meeting Scheduled for November 24

Kerala is preparing to examine new ways to reduce the weight of school bags, with the state government considering changes to textbook printing and distribution to make daily school life easier for students.

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen informed the Kerala Legislative Assembly on October 26 that a meeting would be held on November 24 to discuss possible solutions to the problem of heavy school bags. The announcement followed a petition raised by CPI MLA K. K. Valsaraj on behalf of students from a government school in the Kaipamangalam constituency.

Kerala considers changes to textbook printing

One of the proposals under consideration is to divide textbook content into smaller portions for monthly or half-yearly distribution. This could allow students to carry only the learning materials required for a particular period instead of heavier books covering a longer duration.

The Education Department is also examining the possibility of printing textbooks on lighter paper. Both measures aim to reduce the overall weight students carry to school each day.

However, the government has not yet announced a final decision on these proposals. The November 24 meeting is expected to examine the suggestions in detail and consider other possible measures.

Student petition highlights the problem of heavy school bags

The issue was brought before the Assembly through a petition highlighting the difficulties faced by high school students because of the excessive weight of their school bags.

According to the minister, the matter had already been taken up by the department and discussed at an earlier meeting. The upcoming discussion is intended to assess possible changes in textbook production and distribution, along with other alternatives that could ease the burden on students.

The proposed measures remain under consideration, and further details will depend on the outcome of the government's deliberations.