Parents resent textbook profiteering by private schools

Failure of authorities to tighten noose around private schools, who in nexus with publishers are fleecing parents by selling textbook and notebooks at exorbitant prices, has resulted in massive public outrage.

A ground survey by us reveals that on average the textbooks of Class 6th costs Rs 2000 to Rs 3000, while at the same time the textbooks being prescribed by Board of School Education in government schools are priced only Rs 300 to 400.

The huge discrepancy in prices of textbooks in government and private schools reveals the murky business of the privately owned institutions. Sources informed that the private schools which include valley’s leading missionary schools charge commission of around 40 to 60 percent on books being sold by them in the school premises or at the designated bookshops. “This nexus has been going on for years and it is a practice which is beneficial for both publishers and private schools but it is back breaking for common people,” said a publisher who wished not to be quoted.

“Almost all the schools in Kashmir which include top notch educational institutions who claim to be operating on no-profit-no-loss, also prescribe books which are different from other schools as a result of which there is huge margin for them being provided by publishers,” he added.

According to sources, the prices are fixed by the publishers and private schools as per their sweet will.

“Textbook of first standard whose cost could not be more than Rs 40 is being sold at Rs 250 with both publisher and school management sharing the undue profits,” sources said.

In absence of any overview or check by any government agency, the publishers, according to sources, enjoy full freedom to fix the prices as per their will.

The skyrocketing prices of textbooks are giving tough time to the parents who are finding it difficult to purchase new books for their wards. “My kid recently passed grade 5th examinations and now his books for class 6th cost Rs 3200 which I cannot afford,” said Noor Muhammad- a tailor by profession whose house was damaged during September 2014 floods.

Another parent, Dr. Zubair Saleem, whose kid studies in Delhi Public School stated that he had to pay Rs 5000 as printing charge for his ward who studies in Lower KG.

Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education, Prof. Zahoor Ahmad Chatt, told that private schools in Kashmir up to grade 8th are prescribing books chosen by them.“There is no uniformity as every private school has its own set of textbooks being prescribed to the wards which results in murky business of commission. These schools must prescribe books to students which are authorized by BOSE so that there is uniformity,” he said.

Prof. Chatt added that there is need to check this menace.

Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Kashmir, V. S Sambyal said the department would take action against schools selling books at exorbitant prices. DSEK has threatened to derecognize private schools found overcharging on books.