Punjab: Vijay Inder Singla, Punjab Education Minister has recently directed all private schools in the state that parents should not be forced to buy books as well as uniforms from particular shops. He has also prohibited the sale of uniforms and books within school premises. After taking note of reports suggesting exploitation of parents of school children by certain private schools, the directives have been passed for all private schools affiliated to the CBSE, ICSE and the Punjab School Education Board.
It was also directed by the minister that the uniform once introduced in schools should be carried on for at least three years and there should be no change in the colour as well as the design of the dress be introduced in that period. Singla said in an official release, “the details pertaining to design, colour, texture, material etc. should be uploaded on the school website so that parents may buy a ready-made uniform or get them tailor made as per their choice and resources.”
It has also been instructed by the minister who had made it mandatory for school authorities to use approved books based on the board syllabi & upload the list of those books on the school website, leaving the choice of buying books solely to the discretion of students or parents.
Certain schools are found to be recommending books of private publishers who in connivance with school management change the chronology of chapters of last year’s books, irrespective of the fact that board made no changes in the syllabi. This is to befool parents and children so that they will buy new books instead of second-hand books. Such malpractices of schools will be strictly checked and will be kept in control as said by the minister.
