Bhubaneswar, April 10:: The state government will take a strict stance against private schools exploiting parents in the name of selling books, said School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. He clearly stated that arbitrary practices by private schools will not be tolerated.
The School and Mass Education Department will keep a close watch on private schools in Bhubaneswar and other districts of the state. If any complaints of exploitation of parents or students are received, strict action will be taken, the minister warned.
While attending a state-level Pravesh Utsav program, Minister Gond told the media that under the National Education Policy, it will now be mandatory for private schools to teach NCERT books. He pointed out that many private schools have been forcing students to buy books published by their own publishers, thereby exploiting parents. Such actions are a clear violation of the policy.
The government has taken serious note of this issue and is planning to impose strict regulations to curb such arbitrary practices. After discussions with departmental officials, formal guidelines will be issued soon.
Regarding the delay in distribution of books in government schools, the minister said that textbooks have been prepared this year in line with the National Education Policy, which caused slight delays. However, books have already reached 50% of schools, and the remaining 50% will receive them during the summer vacation.
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