Guidelines for bagless days in Delhi schools

In a significant move aimed at enhancing experiential learning, the Directorate of Education (DoE) on Tuesday issued guidelines for the implementation of 10 bagless days in all government and private schools in Delhi for students in classes VI to VIII. This initiative is aligned with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for stress-free, hands-on learning experiences for students.

The guidelines, developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), emphasise joyful and engaging learning methods. According to the circular released by the DoE, all school heads have been instructed to implement these bagless days. The objective is to create a more experiential and enjoyable learning environment, where traditional classroom routines are replaced with interactive activities.

The circular stated, “Activities may be carefully chosen to optimise the resources available at the school’s disposal. Bagless activities conducted during the execution of the Happiness Curriculum, and excursion visits may be included in bagless days.”

The guidelines suggest that students can participate in a range of activities that allow them to step out of their regular classroom setting. These include visits to historical monuments, cultural sites, craft centres, and places of tourist interest.

Students will also have opportunities to interact with artists and craftsmen, allowing them to gain a broader understanding of different cultural concepts and traditions. This initiative will also help students appreciate the importance of preserving heritage.