Srinagar, Apr 17: The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) has directed private schools to refrain from compelling parents to purchase textbooks of private publishers.
The fresh circular in this regard has been issued by Chairman FFRC Justice (retd) Sunil Hali.
“It has come to the notice of this Committee that some private schools are compelling parents to purchase books from private publishers,” the circular reads.
Chairman FFRC said that complaints were being received wherein parents are being compelled to purchase books costing around Rs 3500.
“It is further alleged that schools are putting pressure on parents to purchase books from private publishers,” FFRC circular reads.
He said there “appears to be a nexus between private schools and publishers”, leading to monetary benefits for the private schools.
“It is alleged that the schools are indulging in profiteering by compelling parents to purchase books from private publishers,” the circular reads.
The circular reads that as per the directions of the affiliating bodies, namely CBSE and JK Board, only NCERT books were part of the curriculum prescribed by these bodies.
“Private schools have no right to compel parents to purchase books from private publishers at exorbitant costs,” it reads.
FFRC has instructed private schools to conform to the directions issued by the affiliating bodies, which clearly provide that only NCERT books are to be prescribed.
“This additional burden placed on parents is unwarranted and illegal, and it tantamount to profiteering, which is specifically barred by statute,” it reads.
FFRC chairman has directed the private schools to follow the directions of the affiliating bodies, which prescribe only NCERT books.
“Parents should not be forced to purchase books from private publishers at exorbitant costs,” it reads.
The FFRC has warned schools of strict action in case the circular instructions were not followed by the schools.
“In case these directions are not complied with, it will be considered a violation of the committee’s order and may lead to de-recognition of the schools for indulging in such practices,” it reads.
The private schools have been asked to submit their compliance report to the committee on this regard.
“Every school must submit its compliance report confirming that it is complying with the directions of the committee,” the circular reads.
