No Homework Classes I-II - None Fail Classes I-V

New Delhi, Nov 28 (UNI) Authorities have dispensed with homework for children attending classes I and II-- in a bid to reduce the stress on children and ''make learning a joyful experience,'' Parliament was told today.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Human Resource Development D Purandeswari listed steps taken by the Central Board of Secondary Education in this pursuit.

They are : --Abolition of homework for children of Classes 1-II; -- ''Interesting and meaningful'' alternative activities to replace the ''dull and mechanical homework'' from classes II-V; -- Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation from class I-V with no pass or fail criterion; -- Gradual implementation of grading system to assess students; -- Comprehensive School Health Programme and establishing Health Clubs in schools; -- Education in ''life skills'' for students of class VI-VIII with focus on developing self-awareness, interpersonal relationship, equanimity and strength of character; -- Adolescence Education programme for students of classes VI-XII to cater to special adolescent needs in physical, emotional, mental and social development; -- Providing counseling services to children before and during examination and after announcement of results using multimedia, newspapers and television; -- Providing guidelines to teachers for diagnostic techniques of teaching children with learning difficulties; -- Greater emphasis on soft subjects such as dance, art, music and craft to foster creativity and harmonious development of children's total personality.

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