Maharashtra to act against schools forcing parents to buy books, uniforms from specific shops

The Maharashtra government has reportedly announced strict action against private schools that makes it compulsory for parents to purchase textbooks, uniforms and other educational materials from specific shops. All schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), and the Maharashtra State Board have to follow this.

Minister of State for School Education Dr Pankaj Bhoyar said this in the Legislative Council while responding to concerns raised by MLC Sudhakar Adbale over complaints of schools forcing parents to buy school supplies from specific vendors.

FPJ reports that other members present there urged the government to stop the practice. They highlighted that it not only places an unnecessary financial burden on families, but limits their freedom to buy educational materials from shops of their choice.

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Dr Bhoyar said the government does not support such practices and noted that action had already been taken against some schools for violating the rules. He announced that the School Education Department will strengthen monitoring to ensure all schools follow the guidelines.

Nodal officer appointment

To ensure proper implementation, the government will appoint nodal officers under the supervision of Assistant Directors in every Divisional Deputy Director's office. These officers will monitor whether schools are forcing parents to buy books, uniforms or other educational materials from particular shops.

The minister also directed officials to prepare a list of schools against which complaints have been received from public representatives. These schools will be inspected, and strict action will be taken if any violations are found.