Gandhinagar: In a significant step toward implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Gujarat Education Department has launched the ‘Joyful Saturday’ and ’10 Bagless Days’ initiative across primary schools in the state. As part of the programme, students from Classes 1 to 8 will no longer need to carry school bags on Saturdays. Aimed at reducing academic pressure, curbing mobile phone addiction, and encouraging experiential learning, the programme will be observed on selected Saturdays starting July 5, 2025, across all government, grant-in-aid, and private primary schools in the state.

Under this initiative, students will attend school without their school bags and participate in various creative, physical, and vocational activities. The programme promotes a shift away from textbook-based learning by engaging children in art, music, yoga, gardening, cleanliness drives, and traditional games. Students will also explore project-based learning, visit local workplaces, and interact with professionals to understand different careers and the value of labor.

The scheme aligns with NEP 2020’s focus on holistic education rooted in Indian values while preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. Activities such as mass drills, yoga, and cultural programmes will develop physical fitness, mindfulness, and self-confidence, while vocational exposure will instill respect for all professions and dismantle biases against manual work.

The state Education Department has issued detailed instructions to all primary schools for the effective implementation of the programme. GCERT is also preparing a module and will provide training to one teacher per school to help implement the programme effectively. Officials believe the initiative can play a key role in tackling childhood obesity, promoting mental wellness, and reducing children’s reliance on mobile screens.

While many schools have already been conducting bagless days on a voluntary basis, this official rollout seeks to ensure a uniform and structured approach across Gujarat to make learning joyful, inclusive, and student-centred. DeshGujarat