School backs failing ultimate stress test.

Ludhiana: Thousands of students across this city are risking long-term spinal injuries and chronic fatigue as schools continue to flout govt mandates designed to lighten the literal load on children's shoulders.Despite strict directives issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in March, a lack of oversight in private, govt, and aided schools has left students carrying bags that far exceed safe weight limits. Observing health risks of regulatory failure, medical experts warn that excessive bag weight leads to immediate issues such as back pain, poor posture, and exhaustion. However, the more pressing concern remains the potential for permanent spinal deformities in developing children.Under current SCERT guidelines, a school bag should not exceed 10% of a student's total body weight. While these regulations include specific weight brackets for every grade level, a random inspection of local primary and high schools revealed a total absence of weighing facilities or monitoring protocols.The neglect is visible on the streets of Ludhiana. In one instance, a Class V student was observed carrying two heavy backpacks under the sweltering afternoon sun. "My sister felt her bag was too heavy and the heat was too much, so I am carrying hers as well as mine," the boy said.Missing accountabilityThe officials responsible for enforcing these safety standards have remained silent. Both deputy district education officer (primary) Manoj Kumar and district education officer (secondary) Dimple Madaan were unavailable for comment despite multiple attempts to reach them regarding the lack of enforcement. While the guidelines suggest schools and parents work together to raise awareness and prevent injury, the reality on the ground suggests a widening gap between policy and practice.