The environmentalist streak in CBSE seems to have gone a notch higher with the board urging all affiliated schools to discourage the use of leather shoes. The board also feels that leather accessories must be avoided because of the adverse environmental impact it has.
The alternative which the central board suggests are canvas shoes which are commonly used for sporting activities. This is, however, a mere request and not binding on schools.
"There is no dispute that leather comes at a huge environmental and animal welfare cost. The production of leather from animals involves highly toxic chemicals and usage of these can be reduced sizably if leather shoes are not made mandatory in schools," CBSE public relation officer Rama Sharma told TOI.
In a letter the board has urged schools to encourage use of "eco-friendly option of canvas shoes, which are more resistant to wear and tear, more comfortable and relatively inexpensive. Canvas shoes are anyway prescribed for sports purposes and can easily be used for everyday wear eliminating the need for multiple pairs. Considering the concern and to reduce environmental impact caused by school uniforms, this may be considered as a tangible step forward".
While CBSE came up with the idea recently, many schools in Nagpur have been practicing it for quite some time. Centre Point schools had banned leather shoes about four years ago to be in sync with environment friendly practice. Centre Point Group of Schools executive director Mukta Chatterjee said, "Earlier we left the option of type of footwear to parents. Our reasoning for banning leather shoes is that the entire process of tanning and making the final product is very harmful to the environment. Now kids wear the black trainers, which is basically half canvas, and that's the norm for everyone here."
Jain International School principal Anmol Badjatia said, "Our school has been implementing a no-leather shoe policy since day one. Our philosophy is to promote eco-friendly practices in students and protect animals however possible. We use a particular brand of sport shoes and it is extremely comfortable for all."
Even Bhavans group in the city has no-leather shoe policy for the last couple of years but their reason for adopting the rule could not be known, as senior principal A Shastri could not be reached for comment.
Delhi Public School principal Akhilesh Chaturvedi said, "I believe that children must wear only those type of footwear in which they will be comfortable with regards to the geographical location and activity. The comfort of kids comes first before any other criterion."
Source:- timesofindia.indiatimes.com
No comments:
Post a Comment