No school can compel parents to buy items from specific shop: Sakeena

Banihal, Oct 17: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday warned private schools against compelling parents to purchase books, uniforms and other educational materials from specific vendors or shops, asserting that strict action would be taken against institutions found violating the rules.
Speaking to reporters during her visit to Banihal, the minister said that no private school has the authority to force parents to buy books or other school-related items from a particular shop or vendor.
The practice, she said, places an unnecessary financial burden on parents, and any school found engaging in such activities would face action under the applicable rules.
“If any private school is forcing parents to purchase books or other items from a particular vendor or shop, it will not be tolerated. No school can compel parents to buy these items from a specific shop, and action will be taken against those found doing so,” Itoo said.
The minister urged parents to come forward and report any instances of schools allegedly pressuring them to purchase educational materials from designated vendors. She said complaints should be brought to the notice of the concerned Directors, the Secretary of the Education Department and the minister herself to ensure that appropriate action is initiated.
Itoo further said that a committee had been constituted to monitor such practices and keep a close watch on complaints concerning private schools. The committee would work to ensure that schools adhere to the prescribed norms and that parents are not subjected to unnecessary pressure or financial hardship.
She added that Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) would be made members of the committee and entrusted with monitoring the situation at their respective levels.
The involvement of district- and zonal-level education officers, she said, would help strengthen oversight and facilitate the timely identification of violations.
The minister’s remarks come amid recurring concerns among parents over the alleged practice of private schools directing them to purchase textbooks, stationery, uniforms and other educational items from selected shops, often limiting their freedom to choose vendors and compare prices.
Parents have frequently raised concerns that such arrangements can increase the cost of education, particularly for families with more than one school-going child.
Earlier during the visit, Itoo laid the foundation stone for the new building of Government Boys Higher Secondary School Banihal, which is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 11 crore. MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen and senior divisional officers of the Education Department were also present on the occasion.
Addressing a public gathering, the minister reiterated that the elected government was committed to fulfilling its promises to the people despite the challenging circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir.
She said the government was working to address public grievances and resolve issues affecting people across different sectors, including education.
The proposed school building is expected to strengthen educational infrastructure in the area and provide students with improved facilities. (KNO)