Bags, homework take toll, schools openly flout High Court’s orders

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 16

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) had sought action taken report on the compliance of the Madras High Court orders from the state governments/UT Administration.

However, as per the RTI (copy with The Tribune) no action taken report on the compliance with court orders has been received by the MHRD so far.

The importance of making the learning process enjoyable for students by restricting the number of prescribed textbooks and reducing curriculum burden on the learners, besides other measures like continuous and comprehensive evaluation and emphasis on soft subjects, including dance, music and fine arts was also impressed upon schools by the board.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday reiterated to the schools to ensure that no homework is given to students of Class I to II by showing compliance with the Madras High Court orders released in May.

Besides, as per the CBSE affiliation Bye laws clause, the affiliated schools are ought to satisfy the board’s advisories regarding ‘no school bag’ and ‘no home work’ for students up to Class II.

However, many schools in the city have been defying the CBSE’s orders blatantly. Young students can be seen carrying heavy bags during school hours. Parents complain that their children do not participate in cultural activities owing to homework pressure.

“My daughter is in Class II and always complains of homework. We have to sit with her to complete the homework. Sometimes, we complete her work our self,” said Neelam, a parent.