NHRC Seeks Action Reports from States, NCERT and CBSE Over Heavy School Bags Following Complaint by Dr. Randhir Kumar

Ranchi/New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint filed by Dr. Randhir Kumar, National President of the National Human Rights and Crime Control Bureau (NHRCCB), regarding the issue of excessively heavy school bags in private schools across the country.

The complaint alleged that many private schools were failing to effectively implement the guidelines prescribed by the NCERT and the government, resulting in students carrying school bags that exceed the recommended weight in proportion to their body weight. It stated that such practices could adversely affect children's spinal health, shoulders, overall physical development, and their right to safe and dignified education.

Acting under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, an NHRC Bench headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo took up the matter on January 7, 2026 and issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of all states, Administrators of Union Territories, the Director of NCERT, and the Chairperson of CBSE. The Commission directed them to investigate the allegations and submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs).

Subsequently, the NHRC received ATRs from the CBSE and 12 states and Union Territories. After reviewing the responses, the Commission directed the remaining states and UTs that had not submitted reports to do so without delay.

The Commission also instructed the NCERT to submit a detailed report within two weeks, including the status of implementation of Section 29 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which relates to academic standards and curriculum.

In addition, the NHRC directed the Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India, to clarify whether any instructions had been issued to state education boards and the CBSE to ensure mandatory compliance with Section 29 of the RTE Act. The Ministry has been asked to submit a comprehensive report within four weeks.

The development marks a significant step in addressing concerns over the health and well-being of schoolchildren, with the NHRC seeking accountability from education authorities across the country following Dr. Randhir Kumar’s public interest complaint.