Indian state Maharashta sets weight limit on students’ school bags
Children struggling under the weight of an oversized schoolbag is a common sight the world over, but now one Indian state has ordered parents to ensure kids lighten their load, Indian media reported on Friday.
Given the intense competition for higher education places in India, children often feel under immense pressure to perform well at school, with materials for extra tuition in the evening often adding to the weight of their bag.
The government of Maharashtra, in the west of India, has passed a resolution saying no child must carry to school a backpack that exceeds 10 percent of their body weight.
Five-year-olds in grade one are being asked to pop their satchels on weighing scales when they arrive for class so teachers can check they don’t exceed 2.5 kilograms (5.5 lbs).
Grade eight pupils aged 12 are limited to carrying 4.2 kilograms, all in a bid to prevent lasting injury, the state government said in a resolution passed earlier this week, according to Dailypakistan.com.