The education department has decided to conduct surprise checks on suburban schools after receiving complaints about schools overcharging students for books, which are not recommended. The matter was brought to light by a political activist who received complaints from parents that some schools were forcing students to buy non-recommended books from designated shops at prices higher than the print price.
Pointing to the nexus of schools and book sellers, Bharat Bafna, vice-president of the Thane district Maharastra Pradesh Congress, (minority department) said, “Students are expected to buy textbooks recommended and provided by the state education department. However, many schools ask students to buy additional books and either from the school or from shops they recommend. This is where they join hands with book sellers,” Mr Bafna said.
Citing an example, he said, “Recently, a school in Santa Cruz asked parents to buy a Class 1 textbook titled ‘Personality Development through Value Education’. The parents paid `50, but they later saw that the actual price of the book is `24,” Mr Bafna said. The book was not even made compulsory by the education department.
A complaint was lodged against the school with the education inspector of Mumbai north region.
“We have been receiving numerous complaints against schools using this method to exploit students. We have decided to conduct surprise checks from July 2, and those found to be using non-recommended textbooks will be issued showcause noti-ces. If found guilty, the pr-incipal and management can face action,” said P.R. Pawar, education inspector, Mumbai (north).