Sakina Itoo cracks down on school textbook monopoly

Says Pvt schools cannot force parents to buy books from specific outlets

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Oct 14: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister, Sakina Itoo on Wednesday said that parents should not be forced or directed by the private schools to buy textbooks from any particular outlet.

Speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of a meeting, the minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Private schools should give choice to the parents. It depends on them. They can buy textbooks from wherever they want.”

“No private school should direct any parent to buy a textbook from any particular bookseller. That choice should be of the parents. There should be no restriction in this regard,” she said.

On asking about some private schools teaching additional books except for those mandated by NCERT, Itoo said, “There is nothing wrong if any private school teaches additional books that increase the knowledge of students and can be useful and is in the interest of the child.”

“However, if the children are not interested in those books and are not beneficial for them, they shouldn’t be forced into it. It shouldn’t be used as a tool to mint money from parents,” the minister said.

She also said that the government in this regard has decided to form a committee with members of the parent association, private school association and NGOs. “If there is any complaint, that will be examined. If it is found to be correct, then action will be taken against those schools.”—(KNO)