Amid the hue and cry over the school children carrying heave baggage to schools, the government has directed the private schools to re-frame the time table in their educational institutions.

The government has also warned the private schools of strict action in case of their failure to adhere to the government directions.

The directions in this regard were issued by the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Dr. G N Itoo on Monday.

“Students are being subjected to heavy book load as per prevailing time table fixed by various private educational institutions functioning in Srinagar as well as in other parts of Kashmir, causing health problem for the students in their tender age,” reads the DSEK circular.

Pertinently, the issue of small children carrying heavy baggage to their schools came in news after parents complained that their kids are forced to carry all the books to their schools every day.

“The issue has been highlighted in the print media, indicating that this kind of situation can lead to various ailments of children at younger age,” the circular reads.

The school education department through its circular has directed all the heads of all the schools, particularly Principals of Private schools functioning in Srinagar and other districts to ensure that the time table is framed in such a manner that minimum book load is required to be carried by the students.

“This is a matter of serious concern and needs to be addressed immediately,” reads the DSEK circular.

Already reported in a section of media that school going kids in Kashmir are forced to carry heavy school bags which takes a roll on their health.

Students enrolled in private schools across Kashmir are forced to carry school bags heavier than the recommended weight.

“The school authorities also force the students to carry additional books prescribed for lower classes,” said a parent.

“It is advised that the schools should work out a strategy where under the extra books may be retained in the schools and be given to the students as and when required,” reads the circular issued by DSEK.

The department has sought a compliance report from all the private schools within a period of two days.

“The compliance of above shall be intimated to the Directorate within two days positively, failing which action as warranted under rules shall be taken against deviants,” the DSEK circular states.

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