School bags to get lighter in Delhi

Delhi students studying in government schools, up to class 8, will get a much-needed relief from carrying heavy books-laden bags, as the Delhi government has announced a reduction in the syllabus by 25% from October 2015, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said last week. There are also talks to reduce the school syllabus of classes 9 to 12, by 20%, beginning next year.

Sisodia, also the Education Minister of Delhi, said on the occasion of Teacher’s Day, “We have completed the preparation of 25 per cent reduction in the school syllabus up to class eight and the decision will be implemented by next month in all Delhi government schools. The Department of Education has been working on this plan and it has completed its consultations with educationists, experts, teachers and parents on this issue. The outdated and obsolete syllabus will be replaced by skill development, theatre, art, music and sports in the curriculum for classes 9-12. The Department of Education is working in this direction.”

The government wants the children to participate in sports, musics, arts, culture, literature and other activities in school, to ensure a well-rounded development.

Stating that this was a promise made during elections, the Minister also added that the health of children cannot be compromised, and hence the decision was taken. Though the rationality of such an important decision was discussed extensively, since the present academic session in already midway, the consensus said, this is the correct time to do so. The government wants the children to develop participation in sports, musics, arts, culture, literature and other activities in school, to ensure a well-rounded development.

Recalling his last meeting with former President late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Sisodia said the former President had suggested that school students who pass class XII should be given two certificates – First on the student’s educational qualification and second certificate should be about the skill development qualification of the student. This will help students in having better employment opportunities and will also help them in higher education. Sisodia said the Delhi government has already started work on the suggestions of late Dr Kalam and reduction in school syllabus is a result of this valuable suggestion.