The State government's initiative — ‘No Bag Day’ — on Saturdays for schools is yet to gain momentum in Visakhapatnam district. Over 90% of the schools, including government-run ones, have not yet started following the idea even though it has been a month since schools have reopened after summer vacation. School managements say that they are waiting for orders from the Education Department.
Stress-buster
It was Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who suggested the idea aiming at reducing stress on children and encouraging sports during weekends. The proposal was well received from children, parents and even school managements initially.
While several schools in various parts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Prakasam and a few other districts in the State have already started implementing it, the response from the school managements in Visakhapatnam district is poor. Not just school managements, even the Education Department is waiting for orders.
“We have not received any orders from the higher officials over the implementation. Once we receive them, we will inform all schools. We can also initiate action, if they are negligent,” said District Educational Officer B. Lingeswara Reddy.
Several private schools from MVP Colony, Gajuwaka and a few others in rural limits have kick-started the initiative during first Saturday after schools have reopened on a pilot basis, but failed to continue it.
It was learnt that the schools have conducted moral science classes, drawing and a few other co-curricular activities.
The teachers were asked to engage children in playful activities like skits, elocution and a few others.
“The idea is really good and we feel that children will be take part in extracurricular activities on Saturdays. But it is yet to be implemented here. When we contacted the school management, they said that they have not received orders yet,” said A. Radha Krishna, a parent from Murali Nagar area from Visakhapatnam.
