Context :
Edu Dept again pushes for lighter
Schoolbags ……….. TOI
……….. 01 Aug 2024
Extract :
Education officers in the state have been instructed to ensure
that students continue to carry lighter schoolbags in the new academic year that commenced in
June.
Last year, integrated text-cum-notebooks were introduced for students in classes 1 to 8 in govt schools to reduce the burden of schoolbags. Although private state board schools were
encouraged to use the integrated books, some parents have complained
that secondary students are being asked to have separate textbooks for subjects
such as mathematics and sciences.
In a recent review meeting with education officials from across the
state, school education minister Deepak Kesarkar emphasised the need to ensure
that students’ schoolbags are light.
Despite parents’ appreciation for the integrated books, they reported that private
schools are insisting on separate textbooks for each subject. Integrated textbooks are more affordable than standalone textbooks
available in bookstores. Some parents said schools require students to carry
integrated books for at least two quarters, increasing the burden. They suggested the state should make the integrated textbooks mandatory
in private schools as well.
Teachers said in higher classes, they may not always be able to
teach chapter-wise.
“In a subject like science, I may teach a chapter from the
first book and may want to move to the third book, which is linked to an
earlier chapter,” said a teacher.
In some schools, students carry both integrated
books and standalone textbooks.
Fast Forward to year 2029-30 :
Ø 6,000 gm schoolbag gets replaced by a Smart phone weighing
150 gms
Ø All students are required to carry their smart phone
in a pocket ( though may need bag for lunch )
Ø Students to access www.My-Teacher.in on their phone
Ø www.My-Teacher.in will replace all the text books listed in the
following table :
|
STD |
No of text Book |
No. of Chapters |
Pages |
|
Class 12 |
31 |
219 |
4453 |
|
Class 11 |
17 |
156 |
2627 |
|
Class 10 |
9 |
80 |
1244 |
|
Class 9 |
9 |
66 |
866 |
|
Class 8 |
6 |
55 |
719 |
|
Class 7 |
4 |
40 |
618 |
|
Class 6 |
10 |
95 |
1332 |
|
Class 5 |
3 |
46 |
582 |
|
Class 4 |
3 |
50 |
554 |
|
Class 3 |
7 |
88 |
1104 |
|
Class 2 |
2 |
20 |
248 |
|
Class 1 |
2 |
22 |
258 |
|
Grand Total |
103 |
937 |
14605 |
Ø 103 text books weighing 68 Kg replaced by a Mobile Screen (
50mmx150mm ) weighing 150 gms
Ø Student can select any one of 20 + questions for each
Chapter and get instant answer
Ø www.My-Teacher.in delivers “ Answers “ in “ Text “ and by
speaking aloud ( in 9 languages )
with regards,
Hemen Parekh
Ø Related Reading :
https://www.cbgaindia.org/blog/school-bags-weighty-issue/