Costly textbooks: Are schools forcing private books over NCERT? NHRC issues notice to Centre, states

The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Union ministry of education, the Central Board of Secondary Education and chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories over allegations that private schools were prescribing costly textbooks from private publishers in violation of norms.

A bench led by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo took note of a complaint claiming that several private schools, including CBSE-affiliated ones, were asking students to use books from private publishers instead of those prescribed by NCERT or state bodies.

According to the complaint, this practice puts financial burden on families, as privately published books are much more expensive than NCERT textbooks, which are subsidised to remain affordable.

The complaint also said the practice went against the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which focused on equitable and inclusive education, and violates Section 29 of the Right to Education Act.

It further alleged that prescribing multiple books and workbooks was against the National School Bag Policy, 2020, which regulates the weight of school bags and limits extra materials.

Taking note of the allegations, the NHRC said the claims, if true, indicated possible violations of the RTE Act.

Using its powers under the Protection of Human Rights Act, the commission has asked the ministry of education and state authorities to examine the issue and submit an 'action taken report'.

NHRC has sought details on whether states have issued directions to ensure compliance with textbook rules. It has also asked for data on student enrolment, textbooks used for the 2025–26 academic year, and any inspections carried out to check violations.

In cases where no audits have been conducted, the commission has directed authorities to carry out a school-wise review of booklists within 30 days.

The NHRC has also called for strict implementation of the National School Bag Policy, 2020.

Separately, the ministry of education has been asked to clarify the role of NCERT and SCERTs in deciding textbooks under the RTE Act, and whether examination boards have any authority to prescribe books at the elementary level.

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