Teachers Neglect Leads to Students Trapped at Amreli School

In Amreli district, a worrying incident occurred at the Khambha Primary School. On July 5, 2025, four students found themselves trapped inside the school due to the negligence of their teachers. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and responsibility of educators during the newly introduced ‘Bagless Day’ initiative.

‘Bagless Day’ aims to give students a break from carrying heavy school bags. Every Saturday, children attend school without bags, allowing them to engage in sports, creative activities, and enjoyable learning experiences. However, this positive initiative was overshadowed by the unfortunate events at Khambha Primary School.

Reports indicate that teachers locked the school gate and left, leaving four students behind. Although school was supposed to end at 11 a.m., the students remained trapped for over an hour. Their worried parents arrived when their children did not return home. Upon reaching the school, they found the children hungry and thirsty, waiting for help.

Following the parents’ intervention, the District Education Officer was informed. The officer took immediate action, unlocking the gates and allowing the students to leave. This incident highlights a significant lack of responsibility within the educational system.

The introduction of ‘Bagless Day’ was intended to ease the burden on students. Teachers noted that the weight of school bags varies: students in grades 1 and 2 carry bags weighing between 1.5 to 2 kg, while those in grades 3 and 4 have bags weighing around 3 kg. For students in grades 6 to 8, the weight can reach up to 4 kg. The initiative to give students one day free from this burden has been welcomed by many.

However, the situation at Khambha School serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for teachers and school management to remain vigilant. Ensuring student safety should always be a top priority. Such incidents must not happen again, and schools must take strict measures to ensure the well-being of their students.

While ‘Bagless Day’ is a positive step for students in Gujarat, its successful implementation depends on the accountability of teachers and school administrators. The Khambha incident serves as a warning that proper execution of good policies is essential for reaping their benefits. We must all work together to ensure that education and student safety always come first in our schools.