UP to reshape school education with ‘Anandam,’ introducing case studies for students for the first time

School education in Uttar Pradesh is set to undergo a major transformation. Under an initiative led by State Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh, students will now engage in hands-on experiments and learn about local industries.

As part of the plan, schools must now observe ten bagless days each academic year for Classes 6, 7, and 8.

Advertisement

Based on the Anandam Guidebook prepared by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), detailed instructions have been issued to the BSAs of all 75 districts.

The objective is to connect children with joyful, skill-based, and experiential learning.

On these bagless days, students will come to school without their bags and participate in activities such as educational tours, experiments, arts and crafts, sports, scientific tasks, exposure to local businesses, nature exploration, and community engagement.

For the first time, children will also undertake case studies, helping them move beyond textbooks to understand and learn from real-life situations.

The main goal of the programme is to promote observation skills, analysis, reasoning, creativity, skill development, dignity of labour, self-reliance and a connection with local culture.

Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh said the initiative will play a crucial role in equipping children with skills that will help them become professionally capable in the future.

SCERT Director Dr Ganesh Kumar said on Tuesday that SCERT has prepared a list of various activities for the programme, categorised under science and technology, local industries and businesses, and arts, culture, and history.

Each activity will include participation from artisans, craftspersons, experts, parents, and the community as required. An inclusive plan has also been developed for children with special needs.

Director General of School Education, Monika Rani, described the initiative as a new path of innovation and said it will help develop creativity, confidence, and a strong connection with the nation’s culture among children.

During the bagless days, children will learn skills such as observation, experimentation, analysis, classification, reasoning, and drawing conclusions. They will interact directly with local artists, artisans, and industries, strengthening the idea of a self-reliant India.

Furthermore, through skill-based activities, children will understand the importance of labour and gain practical exposure to future professions.

Their knowledge of monuments, historical places, museums, and local heritage will expand. Each activity will also see active participation from the community, parents, and experts, giving children valuable real-life learning experiences.