Punjab Education Minister prohibits sale of uniform and books in school premises

CHANDIGARH: Taking strict note of the reports of economic exploitation of parents by the managements of certain private schools, Mr.Vijay Inder Singla Education Minister Punjab has issued directions that all the private schools affiliated to CBSE/ICSE and Punjab School Education Board across the State shall not direct or compel parents to buy school uniform and books from an earmarked shop/firm. The sale of uniform and books within the school premises has also been prohibited, henceforth.

The guidelines issued in this context also state that the uniform once introduced in school should be carried on for at least three years and no change in the colour and design of school uniform be introduced in that period. The details pertaining to design, colour, texture/material etc. should be uploaded on the school website so that parents may buy ready-made uniform or get them tailor made as per their choice and resources.

Besides, it has been made mandatory for school authorities to use approved books based on the board syllabi and upload the list of those books on the school website, leaving the choice of buying books solely to the discretion of students/parents. The guidelines issued to private schools state that it has been observed that certain schools recommend 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 being done in order to befool the parents and children so that they may not use second-hand books and incur fresh expenditure on new books. So, the malpractice needs to be checked and the parents/students may not be compelled to buy new books.

Giving a week’s time for compliance, it has been informed that nonexistence of school website would not be accepted as an excuse towards failure in uploading the said details, so the schools may create their website and upload the information regarding the approved books as well as the school uniform. Random checks would be made to ensure conformity.

The orders clearly state that the N.O.C of the schools failing to comply the directions of the department would be cancelled.