[1]Schools have turned into stationery marts ahead of the new academic year (2012-13), selling textbooks, notebooks and other stationery items, along with uniforms, shoes, and school bags on their premises.
While big schools have set up sales counters in the school itself, middle and lower-rung schools are issuing ‘tokens’ and asking parents to purchase the goods from designated stores.
There is no provision in the by-laws for schools to sell stationery items themselves. So, school managements are openly flouting the rules.
Parents have no objection to buying the necessary items from the school, but are peeved by the high prices. The same items are available in the market at cheaper rates.
Parents are unwilling to complain about this unfair monopoly as they think their children will suffer if they adopt a confrontational attitude. In some cases, having secured a seat after much difficulty in the desired school, parents do not want to rock the boat by complaining of this unfair practice.
“Schools have packages to sell these things ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. But, the same things are available in the market for less than half that price. But who wants to take unnecessary risks by arguing with the managements?” said P. Bhargavi, who has ad-mitted her daughter in a prominent CBSE school.
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