‘No School Bag Day’ helping students develop skills

Imphal, Nov 2 (UNI)State Education Minister Thokchom  Radheshyam on Saturday visited  Budhimanjuri High School in Uripok to witness the implementaion of ‘No School Bag Day’ and  interacted with the students about their hobbies and interests. Manipur education department introduced ‘No School Bag Day’ every  Saturday and school authorities were asked to develop a system where  students can be provided productive and entertaining training.

During his visit, the minister said the students should be made to feel that school is their second home where they can live in ease. He appealed to the teachers to motivate the students even when they are lagging behind. He said that fear and anxiety dishearten the students. The minister urged the teachers to treat the students as their own, imparting education with affection so that children are able to express their views and perspective without hesitation.

During the visits, students were found practicing arts and crafts with teachers. The students were making traditional banana leaf bowl, plates and houses designed from paper. They later gathered at the school ground and recited poems and sang songs. The Minister advised the teachers to encourage the students to participate in extra-curricular activities for overall improvement. Head of schools should chalk out list of extra-curricular activities   for   each   class   in   advance   through discussion and consultation with teachers and inform students/parents accordingly, he suggested.

The students-teacher relationship needs to be made friendlier so that the students could approach the teachers anytime when they need, he said. The students should be taught to maintain neatness to instill in them a sense of work culture and cleanliness in school and their surroundings, he opined. The Minister said that ‘No School Bag Day’ policy  aims in building  positive culture among children,   providing   platform  for innovative  ideas and to reduce the stress and the harmful effects of carrying heavy  bags by the young children.

The ‘No School Bag Day’ policy is implemented by the Department of Education(S) of Manipur for the students from class I / VIII on all working Saturdays to add various extra and co-curricular activities in a structured and purposeful in manner.