Bag-Free Days in Himachal Pradesh: Present Status and Policy Framework Under Nep-2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a significant shift in India’s school education system by emphasizing experiential, skill-oriented and holistic learning in place of rote-based and examination-centric practices. A key initiative under this policy is the introduction of a structured 10-day bagless period for students of Grades 6 to 8 aimed at reducing academic burden, minimizing reliance on textbooks and schoolbags, and promoting hands-on learning, vocational exposure and real-life experiences. Through diverse non-traditional learning activities, the initiative seeks to foster creativity, dignity of labour, problem-solving abilities and holistic child development. Himachal Pradesh offers a distinctive context for examining the present status of this initiative, as the state has been implementing Bag-Free Days in government schools even prior to the formal adoption of NEP 2020. The practice of observing Bag-Free Days, particularly on designated Saturdays, was institutionalized to promote co-curricular, physical and creative activities, thereby providing a strong foundation for aligning state-level educational practices with national policy objectives. This paper presents an overview of the Bag-Free Days initiative in Himachal Pradesh based on an analysis of policy documents, official circulars, government notifications and guidelines issued by the Directorate of School Education and the Department of Education, Himachal Pradesh. It examines the policy framework, conceptual foundations and administrative directives guiding the implementation of Bag-Free Days in elementary schools, especially at the upper primary level. The paper also outlines the range of activities prescribed during Bag-Free Days, including arts and crafts, vocational and skill-based tasks, sports, field visits, community engagement and cultural activities. Further it highlights the educational importance of these activities in supporting cognitive, physical, emotional, social, cultural and vocational development. Overall the paper situates the Bag-Free Days initiative within the broader vision of NEP 2020 and underscores its relevance in promoting experiential and joyful learning in elementary education