Associated News Bureau

Sakeena Itoo Warns Private Schools Against Forcing Parents to Buy Books from Designated Vendors, Government to Constitute Committee to Probe Complaints; Schools Violating Norms to Face Action

Srinagar, October 14: Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday warned private schools against compelling parents to purchase textbooks from designated booksellers, asserting that parents are free to buy books from vendors of their choice according to their convenience and financial capacity. The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a meeting with representatives of private schools, parent associations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and departmental officials. She announced that the government would constitute a committee to investigate complaints regarding the alleged forced purchase of textbooks and the additional financial burden on parents. “No private institution should direct any parent to purchase books from a particular bookseller. Parents must have the freedom to buy books from wherever they choose,” Itoo said. Addressing concerns over the prescription of textbooks beyond those recommended by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the minister said supplementary reading material could enhance students’ knowledge but should not be made compulsory without a valid academic requirement. She observed that nearly 85 per cent of the syllabus was similar and stressed that additional books should serve a genuine educational purpose rather than impose unnecessary expenses on families. “Books should be prescribed for educational purposes, not for financial gain. Students should not be burdened with books they do not need or are not interested in reading,” she said. Itoo said the proposed committee would comprise representatives of parent associations, private school associations, NGOs, intellectuals and government officials. It would examine complaints, assess alleged violations of established norms and recommend appropriate action wherever the allegations were substantiated. The minister emphasised that private schools must adhere to prescribed regulations and ensure that textbook requirements do not become an unnecessary financial liability for parents. She reiterated the government's commitment to addressing public grievances and strengthening accountability in the education sector. The meeting also reviewed issues related to educational standards, textbook selection and examination results scheduled for November. Itoo said the department was working to address concerns raised by various stakeholders and improve the quality of education across Jammu and Kashmir. “Our aim is to ensure that the children of Jammu and Kashmir progress and become the best in the world,” she said, adding that virtual connectivity had been established among schools to improve coordination and resolve administrative issues. Regarding school timings, the minister said the government had issued an order revising the schedule, under which schools in municipal areas would begin classes at 10 am, while those in rural areas would commence at 10:30 am. Responding to a question about the death of a woman in Sheikhpora, allegedly in the absence of medical staff, Itoo said the government examined complaints of medical negligence and had taken action against doctors in cases where allegations were established. She added that appropriate action would be taken in future cases if an inquiry established that medical negligence had contributed to a loss of life. ANB