The introduction of a new school bag bearing a logo approved by the Education Ministry and meant to reduce the strain of a heavy book-load that students have to carry, has come in for criticism by the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU), who allege that unscrupulous traders are abusing the Education authorities approval of the bag, by selling it at various prices.
The bag was designed by the Health Ministry, conforming to medical recommendations and approved by the Education Ministry which authorised the use of the Ministry logo on the bags.
The CTU said that all kinds of bags bearing the Education Ministry approved logo are being sold in the open market, at prices ranging from Rs 800 and above.
“There is no price control and hence unscrupulous traders are selling the bags at any price they wish. Also there is no check to ascertain whether the bags comply with the prescribed health standards”, a Union representative said.
Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that the bag was designed by the Health Ministry and the Education Ministry only approved it and placed a logo on it.
“Anyone can sell the bag at any price, because we have not made its use mandatory for students,” the Minister told the Sunday Times.
He added, the bag was introduced on the request of parents who complained that the heavy load of books students in government schools have to carry daily is affecting the posture of the students. |
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