The Odisha Parents’ Federation has urged the State Government to direct the private English medium schools, both CBSE and ICSE, to use NCERT books only.
The federation met Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy in view of some schools already asking the parents to buy books of private publications for the new session.
According to a circular of the NCERT, every English medium school has to mandatorily use NCERT books. Besides, there is a direction from the Ministry of Human Resources and the NCPCR to the State Governments in this regard.
“But the private schools are not following the order and due to their deal with the private publishers. There is even documentary proof that an association of ICSE schools in the State has a deal with Orient Black Mam Publication for a commission of 45 per cent,” alleged the federation.
“Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Tripathy has assured us to direct all district Collectors to for strictly following the order in the interest of lakhs of students and parents in the State. However, if the order is not followed by the schools with 7 days, we would hold a fast unto death agitation before the residence of the School and Mass Education Secretary from March 2,” warned the federation at a Press meet here. General secretary Askok Paikray, Bhumohan Patnaik, Satyabrata Parija, Sankar Samant Ray and Swapnendu Samanta Ray among others were present.