Thinner textbooks, lighter school bags for Telangana students from next academic year

Hyderabad: To reduce the perennial burden of heavy school bags on students, the Telangana School Education Department is going to reduce the thickness of paper in textbooks. Starting from the next academic year, the students will feel the relief of a 25 to 30 per cent reduction in the weight of their school bags.

The shift involves a reduction in paper thickness from the current 90 grams per square metre (GSM) to a lighter 70 GSM. This adjustment is expected to have a substantial impact, with preliminary estimates suggesting that Class X textbooks, which currently weigh approximately 4.5 kg, could see a reduction of 1 kg.

Rs 150 crores spent on free textbooks

The decision to trim down the weight of school bags is not only aimed at easing the physical strain on students but also carries significant financial and environmental implications.

The School Education Department anticipates a substantial reduction in raw paper procurement, decreasing from the current 11,000 tonnes to 8,000 tonnes. This, in turn, is projected to save the department a notable sum, ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 40 crores on raw paper procurement.

The financial relief is twofold; reduced paper purchases and a substantial reduction in expenditure incurred in providing free textbooks. A staggering amount of Rs 150 crores was spent during the 2023-24 academic year to provide free textbooks to students in government and local body schools.

Decrease in usage of raw paper

While awaiting approval from the State government, officials emphasise the multifaceted advantages of this proposal.

Beyond the palpable reduction in school bag weight and cost, the move aligns with contemporary discussions on environmental sustainability. By cutting down on the usage of tonnes of raw paper, the initiative makes a noteworthy contribution to reducing the undue impact on the environment.

Students, faculty welcome move

The potential impact of this decision has sparked positive reactions from students and faculty alike. “It’s a welcome change. We often struggled with the weight of our bags, and this move will certainly make a difference in our daily school experience,” said Sridhar Velkuri, a high school student from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Hyderabad.

Mary Geiles, a faculty member of St. Andrew’s High School in Bowenpally also expressed support for the initiative, stating, “This not only addresses the physical strain on students but also aligns with a broader commitment to environmental responsibility. It’s a step in the right direction for the well-being of students and our planet.”

As the proposal awaits government approval, the prospect of lighter school bags holds promise for a more comfortable and environmentally conscious academic future.