17 pvt schools in Nainital issued notices over costly books, irregularities

Nainital: In a move aimed at ensuring transparency in the education system and reducing the financial burden on parents, district administration in Nainital on Saturday issued notices to 17 private schools across Haldwani, Ramnagar and Bhimtal.The action followed complaints that schools were compelling parents to purchase costly private publications alongside NCERT textbooks and, in some cases, coercing them to purchase books and academic materials exclusively from specific vendors. Officials also flagged irregularities such as excessive book requirements — sometimes two to three times the prescribed number for some classes — and failure to publish mandatory disclosures on school websites.Citing violations under Right to Education Act, 2009, CBSE guidelines and Consumer Protection Act, 2019, administration termed such practices unfair and exploitative.Acting on the directives of district magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, chief education officer Govind Ram Jaiswal served notices to institutions including Devbhoomi Senior Secondary School (Manpur West), Guru Drona Public School (Haldwani), Lakshya International School, BLM Academy Senior Secondary School, Woodbridge School (Bhimtal), Mallikarjun School (Bhimtal), St. Joseph Convent School (Pirumadara, Ramnagar), Great Mission Public School (Ramnagar), Garden Valley Public School (Ramnagar), Aryaman Vikram Birla School (Haldwani), Doon Public School (Nawabi Road), Wisdom Public School (Rampur Road), Inspiration Senior Secondary School, SKM Senior Secondary School (Rampur Road), Kingsford Senior Secondary School, Shemford Senior Secondary School (Motahaldu), and Himalaya Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School.The schools have been instructed to release a revised book list within 15 days, prioritise essential and NCERT-based textbooks, end compulsory vendor-based purchases immediately, publish book lists and fee structures on official websites, and adjust or refund any excess charges collected. This marks the first time that any state administration has directed schools to refund excess charges collected from parents, officials said.Authorities warned that failure to comply could lead to suspension or cancellation of school recognition, financial penalties, and legal proceedings. A joint inspection committee will conduct a review within 15 days and submit its report.