Parents appeal for check on sale of books by private schools

Srinagar, Oct 31: Parents on Wednesday that private schools are “looting” them by charging exorbitant fees for the books.
A private school in the city outskirts, for instance, has asked the students to purchase books from a particular bookshop, which is selling at unregulated rates.
A parent, wishing not to be named, said private schools were grabbing money from them in one or the other way.
“I am dong a menial job. How can I manage to buy the books at these rates?
The government should keep watch on the private schools,” he said.
A parent from Baramulla, whose child has been studying in one of the private schools in the north Kashmir district, said the schools should not be allowed to arrange sale of books, stationary, or uniforms.
“A missionary school in the district is directly involved in sales. They are asking the students to get books from a bookshop, which offers them commission,” he said.
Asking for intervention of the higher authorities, he said the private schools should refrain from asking the students to purchase books from a particular bookshop.
Khurshid Ahmad Ganie, Advisor to Governor who holds the education portfolio, said he would look into the matter.
“I am in Jammu. When I return, I will hold a meeting with the publishers. Meanwhile, I will ask the deputy commissioners to look into the issue in their respective districts,” he said.