Finally, the CM has to intervened but is it too late? The question parents are asking. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has directed the Chief Secretary to issue an order for strict action against institutes allegedly forcing parents to buy textbooks and uniforms from a particular shop. CM Yadav asked concerned authorities to take action against the school violating the guidelines regarding books, stationery and uniform. The development came after various complaints were filed by the parents on different platforms. CM Yadav asked Chief Secretary to take action under Private Schools Fee Act. School Education Department (SED) has also written a letter on this issue to the District Collector for necessary action. SED said that if any institute found to be guilty under the Act, the school director can face a fine of Rs 2 lakhs.

 

Though the Government has released order to tighten the noose around schools for doing business of textbooks, stationery and uniform but at the same time, current academic session has begun and most of the parents had already purchased the books, uniforms from shops. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, a parent Rose Dante said, “Government should have taken action at least a month back. All missionary, private CBSE and ICSE schools conclude their exams by February and books were purchased in March.” Collector prohibits sale of school study material from particular shop: Earlier on March 13, District Collector had issued guidelines saying that name of school in uniform, books, copies, stationery, etc is strictly prohibited. Schools were asked to provide the uniform, tie, shoes, study material, etc in open market and no parents would be forced to purchase any study material, stationery, uniform etc from particular shop. Schools were also asked to display the class-wise booklist including publisher’s name on official website and school’s notice board. Collector said that this order was to be executed on all private CBSE, ICSE, MPBSE schools. Officials said that schools found to be violating the guidelines would be under legal action of Section 188.

 

Collector has imposed restriction on schools saying that action will be taken against schools that compel students to purchase uniforms and books from specific shops. Students are free to purchase the books, copies and any study material from any shop in city. The Collector had released order using power granted under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. District administration has prohibited sale of books, uniform and other material on private schools to ensure welfare of general public. The order also stated that school’s name should not be mentioned on any teaching material. Earlier, officials have also released an order to follow the bag weight policy in all schools. Parents said that every year district administration and DEO release the order to bring transparency in sales of school books and uniform but all seems to be in vain.