MAHARASHTRA: Two seventh grade students of Saharanpur unable to bear the weight of their school bags held a press conference here to highlight the plight of students who carry a load of 5-7 kg on their shoulders everyday to school. On August 22 media persons at the local press club were taken aback when the duo from the local Vidya Niketan School, walked in and expressed their desire to hold a conference on the daily hardships they face due to the burdensome bags. The students told reporters, “We carry a minimum of 16 books for 8 subjects daily and sometimes their number increases to 18 or 20, depending upon the subjects for which the classes would be held for the day. Our school bags weigh between 5 and 7 kg and its exhausting to carry them to our classroom located on the third floor,” the boys, aged around 12 years. “We had given applications to our principal to consider reducing the weight of school bags a couple of times but the same failed to evoke any response,” they claimed. In some cases, parents help their kids by carrying their bags to the classroom, they said. The Maharashtra government earlier this year issued a circular on guidelines on reduction of weight of schoolbags carried by students, following the Bombay High Court’s directives. The State informed the High Court that principals and the school management had been told to follow the circular. Action would be taken against those not obeying the rule, the government assured the Court. When asked if they were worried about facing disciplinary action, the two boys said their demands are “just” and that they don’t expect any problem. ]]>
