The Centre has commissioned a study by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to update the 1982 schoolbag standard, said two government officials aware of the development. The revised norms will focus on balancing capacity, weight, and comfort—key factors in preventing musculoskeletal stress among schoolchildren. “The adolescent spine is in a critical stage of development,” said Dr. Rakesh Bagdi, a paediatrician and neonatologist at Gangauri Hospital in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. “Carrying heavy or poorly designed backpacks can lead to musculoskeletal and postural problems that may persist into adulthood.” The 1982 standard, framed when most bags were made of canvas or rexine, no longer reflects current needs. Today’s school bags use lightweight synthetic fabrics, polyurethane coatings, and padded straps aimed at easing pressure on the shoulders. Queries emailed to the spokesperson of BIS remained unanswered till press time. “With the growing variety of designs, materials, and performance expectations, it has become essential to revise the existing Indian Standard for school bags to reflect current market realities,” a senior government official quoted earlier said. “The review of …