KP School Bag Act 2019 to be presented in provincial assembly soon

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has drafted the ‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa School Bag Act 2019’ and is expected to soon present its final draft in the provincial assembly.

The aim of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa School Bag Act 2019 is to relieve school-going students from carrying heavy schoolbags and if not complied with, a fine worth Rs500,000, as well as other punishments, would be imposed on the institutions violating the law.

The proposed act states that the schoolbag’s weight should not be more than 10 percent of a student’s total weight. Further, all public and private schools would be obligated to provide drawers and desks to their pupils in classes in order to make sure the study materials were kept in the school premises.

The act further notes that the use of wooden slates would be mandatory for all students of up to Class 8.

Read more: Karachi doctor highlights how heavy schoolbags are affecting children

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa School Bag Act 2019 also requires inspection of the quality of the material being used to manufacture the schoolbags as well as the weight.

Further, the textbook boards would be directed to publish syllabus books on standard quality paper.

The proposed act was to be followed by all private and government educational institutes and, in case of violation of the Act, a fine worth Rs500,000 and punishments may be awarded.