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

Ten Bagless Day programs start in schools, students of classes 6 to 8 will learn skills and cultural knowledge

Children will not remain limited to books but will understand and learn about real-life situations

This initiative will play an important role in connecting children with skills that make them professionally capable: Sandeep Singh

Lucknow, Nov 2025 : School education in the state is set to take a new shape. Under an initiative led by Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh, students will explore hands-on experiments and learn about local industries. As part of the plan, schools must now hold ten bagless days each academic year for classes 6, 7, and 8.

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. Its purpose is to connect children with joyful, skill-based, and experiential learning.

On these bagless days, students will come to school without bags and take part in activities like educational tours, experiments, arts and crafts, sports, scientific activities, exposure to local businesses, nature exploration, and community participation. For the first time, children will also conduct case studies, which will help them move beyond textbooks to understand and learn from real-life situations.

The main goal of the program is to promote observation skills, analysis, reasoning, creativity, skill development, dignity of labour, self-reliance, and connection with local culture. Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh says this program will play an important role in connecting children with skills that will make them professionally capable in the future.

SCERT Director Dr. Ganesh Kumar said that SCERT has prepared a list of various activities for the program, classified 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 needed. An inclusive plan has also been prepared for children with special needs.

Director General of School Education, Monika Rani, called this a new path of innovation and said it will help develop creativity, confidence, and a deep connection with the nation’s culture in children.

How children will learn

Skill and experience-based education:
Children will learn skills like observation, experimentation, analysis, classification, reasoning, and drawing conclusions.

Connection with Vocal for Local and ODOP:
There will be direct interaction with local artists, artisans, and industries. The idea of a self-reliant India will grow stronger.

Dignity of labor and self-reliance:
Through skill-based activities, children will understand the importance of labor and gain practical exposure to future professions.

Cultural and historical awareness:
Knowledge about monuments, historical places, museums, and local heritage will increase.

Community-school partnership:
Each activity will see active participation from the community, parents, and experts, giving children real-life knowledge.