In Maharashtra, private, CBSE, and ICSE schools will no longer be able to compel parents to purchase school uniforms and books from specific shops. The government has ordered strict action against such practices.

Every year, the start of a new academic session brings anxiety to parents. Beyond the burden of hefty school fees, purchasing books, notebooks, and uniforms is a major headache. It is often observed that schools pressure parents to buy these items from designated shops, where the goods are sold at prices significantly higher than in the open market. Now, parents in Maharashtra are set to find relief from this exploitation and mental stress, as the state government has decided to take action against schools engaging in such arbitrary practices.

Parents' grievances raised in the Legislative Council

This issue was recently raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. MLC Sudhakar Adbale highlighted the parents' plight before the House, noting that many schools in the state are treating education as a commercial business. Adbale explained that these schools directly force parents to buy uniforms, books, shoes, and other essentials from specific shops. If a parent purchases items from elsewhere, the school management refuses to accept them. Prices at these designated shops are often double—or even higher—than those in the general market, completely disrupting the budgets of middle-class and poor families.

Government adopts a strict stance

Addressing this serious issue, Minister of State Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar stated that the government would not tolerate such commercial coercion in the education sector. He clarified that this rule is not limited to State Board schools but applies equally to all schools affiliated with private, CBSE, and ICSE boards. No school can compel parents to purchase items from any specific shop. He also stated that the government has previously treated such matters seriously and has taken action against certain schools for violating regulations.

How will this arbitrary behavior by schools be curbed?

Appointment of Nodal Officers: The Minister of State announced that nodal officers would be appointed under the office of each departmental Deputy Director.
Continuous Monitoring: These nodal officers will operate under the supervision of an Assistant Director. Their primary responsibility will be to closely monitor the process of purchasing educational materials in schools.
Immediate Action: If, during monitoring, it is discovered that a school is pressuring parents to make purchases from a specific shop, these officers will take immediate action against the school.

Blacklisting and Punitive Action

Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar stated that a database would be created to compile complaints received by public representatives (such as MLAs and councilors) against schools. Instructions have been issued to prepare a separate list of schools that receive the highest number of complaints. Based on this list, Education Department officials will investigate the schools in question. If schools are found guilty during the investigation, punitive measures will be taken against them; these could range from the imposition of heavy fines to the revocation of the school's recognition.