Director of School Education Jammu, Dr Ravi Shankar Sharma (JKAS) has issued a circular regarding the purchase of books, stationery items, and school uniforms from private schools. The circular came after receiving numerous complaints from parents about the extra financial burden imposed on them by certain private schools. These schools were allegedly forcing parents to purchase text books, stationery items and uniforms from a particular shop, which was not only illegal but also against the guidelines issued by the government.
The circular, according to The Chenab Times, has brought to the attention of all private school managements the instruction issued from time to time, which states that schools must notify parents through their websites about the list of subjects and books prescribed by the Board they are affiliated with. Schools are not allowed to make any other subject or book mandatory for students. Furthermore, schools are not allowed to ask parents to buy books from a particular book shop.
The circular also mentioned that private recognized schools should not compel parents to purchase books or uniforms from a specific shop and they should change books frequently. To provide more options for parents, books and uniforms should be made available in the open market. The circular stated that any deviation from these instructions would be viewed seriously, and action would be taken as per the provisions of the law, including de-recognition of schools and withdrawal of NOC.
All Chief Education Officers were instructed to form special monitoring teams headed by Deputy Chief Education Officers/Zonal Education Officers to verify complaints received on the sale of books/uniforms by private schools or pressuring parents to purchase from any particular shop. The action taken in this regard must be submitted to the Directorate on a monthly basis.
The circular has been well received by parents who have long been struggling with the high costs associated with purchasing books, uniforms and stationery items. The circular has been appreciated for bringing transparency and accountability to the education sector, which will help ease the financial burden on parents.
The Chenab Times News Desk