Take 5 | There will be blank pages after each chapter. Students won’t need notebooks: Deepak Kesarkar, Maharashtra education minister

2. Will the blank pages be enough for writing notes?

We want to give students the space to take notes after the lesson. This will inculcate the habit of noting things down and increase efficiency. Since the notes are next to the lesson, they become ready references when a student is preparing for that topic.

3. Will additional pages mean increased costs?

No. And if there is an additional cost of even Rs.70 to 80 crore, the government will bear it. I have the CM’s approval for funds.

4. When will the plan be implemented?

It should be ready by the time the new set of textbooks go for printing before the next academic year.

5. Is this going to be enough to ensure lighter bags?

Even as other items in a school bag continue, this initiative will have reduced a significant chunk of the load. After its implementation, we may not require any other initiative for this purpose.