Schools can’t insist on uniforms, book purchases from specific shops

Pune:The state education department has barred private schools from forcing parents to buy uniforms, books, or other learning material from specific vendors or the school itself in a move that directly benefits parents and students.Parents are now free to purchase these items from any shop of their choice, ending a long-standing practice that often led to higher costs and limited options. The circular, issued jointly by the director of education (secondary and higher secondary) Mahesh Palkar and the director of education (primary) Sharad Gosavi, comes after a rise in complaints from parents across the state.If the education office receives any complaints from parents against schools, a fine will be levied on schools, but the amount is yet to be decided and will vary depending on the natureof complaint.Several schools had allegedly been insisting that uniforms, notebooks and even textbooks be purchased only from authorised sellers, leaving parents with little bargaining power.Palkar said the new circular aims to ensure transparency and reduce the financial burden on families. It also reinforces that state board schools must use only officially approved Balbharati textbooks and cannot compel students to buy books published by private players.The department has laid down clear instructions for schoolmanagements. Schools must pass a resolution in their management committees stating that no compulsion will be imposed regarding the purchase of uniforms or study material.They are also required to appoint a coordination officer to handle such issues and set up a formal mechanism for complaints, including a dedicated email ID. Importantly, parents must be informed about these rights and the new guidelines.The circular warns of strict action in case of violations. If a complaint is received, the concerned education or administrative officer will conduct an immediate inquiry. If the allegations are found to be true, schools could face strong administrative and penal action.Education experts said the move could bring relief to thousands of families, especially those struggling with rising school-related expenses.With the new rules in place, the department has signalled a tougher stance against unfair practices in schools. The success of the order, however, will depend on how effectively it is implemented and whether parents come forward to report violations.Order Brings Relief, Say ParentsSchools cannot force purchase of uniforms or books from specific shopsParents free to buy school supplies from any vendorOrder issued by seniormost education officers Mahesh Palkar and Sharad GosaviDecision follows rising complaints from parentsState board schools must use only Balbharati textbooksPrivate publishers' books cannot be imposed on studentsSchools must pass SMC resolution against compulsionComplaint email ID and coordination officer mandatoryParents must be informed about the guidelinesImmediate inquiry and strict action if violations are foundThis will bring real relief. Earlier, we had no choice but to buy from the school's vendor at higher prices, even if the quality was average and options were limited IAshwini Nade I A parentGiving us the freedom to choose where to buy is a fair step. We can now compare prices, reuse items where possible and manage school expenses in a more practical way ITushar Kadam, A ParentFor years, parents have argued that being forced to buy from specific vendors led to inflated prices and unnecessary purchases IMandakini Mhatre I Retired educator