Gujarat’s new ‘No School Bag Saturday’ policy, meant to reduce student stress and promote fun learning under the New Education Policy 2022, had a poor start on July 5. Despite clear instructions, many schools in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot did not follow the rule.
The plan requires Class 1 to 8 students to attend school without bags and take part in activities like yoga, art, games, and cultural events every Saturday. But in most schools, students still brought heavy bags, and regular classes continued.
In Ahmedabad, schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya, Rajasthan School, and Swaminarayan Gurukul did not observe the policy. Some schools said they hadn’t received proper instructions.
In Surat, a few schools delayed the rollout. Radiant International School told parents it would start later. However, Vidya Bharati School in Bhattar embraced the idea—students brought only water and lunch and enjoyed activities like painting and yoga.
Health experts support the initiative, warning that heavy bags can cause back problems in young children. Educationists praised the concept and urged stronger enforcement.
Many school heads said they need a clear timetable and activity plan. Parents also said they were unsure whether to send bags, fearing their children might face issues at school.
Experts say that while the policy is a good move, poor communication and lack of follow-up are affecting its success. They call for better planning and stricter monitoring to ensure all schools follow through.