Punjab’s private schools are under scrutiny for their arbitrary practices concerning textbooks and uniforms, as the State Government has issued directives to the District Commissioners (DCs) across the State to address rising complaints. Punjab's Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, sharing the decision on Friday, emphasized the Government’s determination to tackle the ongoing issue that has long been a source of frustration for parents.
The decision came after multiple districts have received repeated complaints related to the imposition of certain books and uniforms by private schools. To address these concerns, the government has empowered the DCs to take prompt action, ensuring that complaints are handled expeditiously and effectively. The initiative comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to protect parents and students from exploitation, especially during the back-to-school season.
Currently, an audit of schools in Patiala is underway, focusing on the irregularities concerning book and uniform practices. The government’s decision to assign the power to the DCs is designed to streamline the process and ensure that complaints are resolved in a timely manner.
The Minister also addressed specific instances where schools have been found changing textbooks without due cause. He disclosed that certain schools have made changes to textbooks this year, despite the Punjab Government’s decision in 2023 to exclusively use NCERT-approved books. This sudden alteration in textbooks has raised alarms among parents, who are already burdened by the financial strain of buying new materials each year.
Alongside complaints about books, concerns have also surfaced about the imposition of specific uniforms. Bains assured that the government would take strict action against schools involved in such practices. “We will not tolerate any kind of exploitation of students and their families, especially when it comes to uniforms and books,” he said. The Education Minister made it clear that the government would not allow any school to burden parents with unnecessary costs or force them into buying from particular vendors.
For many parents in Punjab, the beginning of the academic year is synonymous with long queues at shops and steep financial demands. As admissions to private schools begin, parents rush to purchase new sets of books and uniforms, often finding themselves stressed and financially strained. The high cost of books and uniforms, coupled with the pressure to purchase from designated shops, has long been a source of contention.
Parents often face significant financial hurdles as the price for a complete set of books for students from Nursery to Class X ranges between Rs 1,000 to Rs 8,000. Senior classes see a similar increase in cost, with the price depending on the subjects chosen. Uniforms are no less expensive, with a set costing anywhere from Rs 1,200 to Rs 5,000, depending on the school’s specific requirements. In some cases, schools make slight alterations to the uniform patterns, further raising the costs for parents.
The District Education Office (DEO) has already received complaints about certain schools forcing parents to purchase uniforms and books from particular shops, violating guidelines that forbid such practices. As of now, some of the complaints have been officially lodged, and show-cause notices have been sent to the schools involved. “We have marked the complaints for action. Initially, the schools will receive a strict warning, and if the issue persists, fines will be imposed. In more serious cases, the school’s No-Objection Certificate (NOC) will be reviewed,” a senior official of the Education Department told The Pioneer.
To strengthen enforcement, the DEO plans to establish a task force to inspect stores that are affiliated with specific schools, ensuring they comply with the established guidelines.
Despite government regulations, the situation remains dire for many parents, especially with school managements often imposing additional financial burdens. The rush to uniform and book shops in the city indicates how parents are scrambling to prepare their children for the new academic year. The added pressure of navigating the school’s recommendations for specific vendors exacerbates the strain, making it more difficult for families already coping with the financial demands of education.
Punjab Govt notifies ‘School Mentorship Program’ for babus
In a unique initiative aimed at enhancing public education, the Punjab Government has rolled out the ‘School Mentorship Program’, where top bureaucrats, including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers, will mentor government school students, especially in rural and border areas. Sharing the details, Education Minister Harjot Bains said that a notification for the program had been issued a day after Cabinet approval.
The program encourages officers to adopt a government school and engage with students, motivating them to aim high and pursue ambitious goals. Officers will provide guidance to students, assist teachers in adopting innovative teaching methods, and help improve school infrastructure. The initiative aims to create a long-term relationship between officers and schools, with mentors committed for at least five years, regardless of their transfers.
The program prioritizes schools in remote areas, including border towns, where mentorship can help provide students with direction and inspiration. Bains emphasized that the officers’ journeys, from passing the toughest exams to reaching top positions, could inspire students to dream of institutions like IITs and AIIMS. Interested officers can sign up by filling out a Google Form by April 20, 2025.
