Schools seem to be pushing parents to buy new school books while refusing to give them names of books. Several schools in the city are asking parents to pick school and class specific book sets from outlets instead of providing them book lists. With no idea about the books, parents are forced to go to stores and pick up book sets. Parents claimed that schools are going against Central Board of Secondary Education mandate that says such sale of books, stationery and uniform amounts to commercialisation.
“Many of these books can be taken from friends studying in senior classes but we can’t do it as we are not provided list of books,” Ramesh Kumar (name changed) said. He said schools are forcing parents to buy new books. “I have two kids. My younger son should be able to use most books of the elder one but schools don’t share book list,” Sunita Chandra (name changed) said. She added that the school changes publisher every year as per their convenience though there are no major changes in the quality or syllabus provided in the books.
“I am a wholesaler of stationeries, so I have contacts with book publishers as well,” Kishore Jhadav (name changed) said. He can get discounts on the books but he is forced to pay MRP since school does not disclose name of text books. The matter was reported to district education officer Rajendra Makwani. “It is mandatory for schools to provide list of books to every parent prior to beginning of session. We have received complaints from parents about schools not complying with same,” he said.
Looking at the helplessness of parents, the officer issued a letter instructing officers to call up schools. “All the well known schools were instructed to put up book lists on the school wall or notice board for parents and communicate the information to parents in form of circulars or emails as needed,” Makwani said. Further action will be taken if required.
