Bombay High Court to government: Take action to reduce school bag burden

HC has asked the government to spare no one and ensure strict implementation of the GR

The Bombay high court on Wednesday informed the government that it was not satisfied with the latter’s reply that steps to reduce the weight of schoolbags are implemented 100 per cent as per recommendation.

The court asked the state government to send a strong message by taking action against schools not following the recommendations to reduce the weight of schoolbags.

The division bench headed by Justice V.M. Kanade was hearing a PIL filed by Swati Patil against the heavy load carried by students. The PIL claimed that the heavy school bags have adverse health effects on students.

The court was not happy with the data submitted before it. The bench said that the data submitted is discriminative as for instance in district like Nandurbar, there are more than 240 schools. But only 125 schools were inspected as per the data. However, the bench also observed that it is not possible to visit and inspect each and every school, hence the government officials have to do it on a random basis.

The bench said that if the violators cannot be caught, the government should ensure that the GR is implemented strictly and that no one is spared. Justice Kanade asked the government to prepare a chart on steps taken by the government to implement the GR in order to reduce weight of schoolbags.

“Unless the parents and teachers realise that heavy schoolbags are harmful for their wards, nothing can be done,” observed the court, adding that it is high time that the government sends out a stern message.

The court has also asked the government to consider suggestions made by one Me Bhide who claimed that the students are compelled to carry heavy schoobags as most schools work for six hours and has nearly 11 to 12 periods every day. The student has to carry 10 to 12 text and note books.

Mr Bhide has suggested that if the school timetable and pattern is changed, it may resolve the issue of heavy schoolbags.