Costly Private Books in Schools Under Scanner; NHRC Seeks Reports from States

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the issue of expensive textbooks being prescribed in schools across the country. The Commission has directed that an audit of book lists be conducted within 30 days. It has also sought detailed reports from all states and Union Territories regarding the matter. In addition, notices have been issued to the Ministry of Education and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), asking them to clarify what action has been taken against private schools that prescribe costly books. The Commission has further directed the Centre to provide a clear position on the implementation of NCERT guidelines within 15 days. The action follows complaints from a large number of parents from Punjab, Chandigarh, and several other states. Parents alleged that many private schools are replacing affordable NCERT textbooks with significantly more expensive books published by private publishers. According to the complaints, while government-prescribed books are available for a few hundred rupees, private book sets are being sold for thousands, placing a heavy financial burden on families. The NHRC observed that such practices amount to exploitation and disproportionately affect economically weaker sections. It noted that the growing commercialisation of education is undermining children’s right to equal access to education. The Commission also indicated that prescribing expensive books may constitute a violation of Section 29 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. It further stated that such practices are inconsistent with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Some parents have also expressed their intention to approach the police against what they described as coercive practices by schools. The NHRC emphasised that education must remain affordable and accessible to all. It has now asked the authorities to outline within a month the steps being taken to curb such practices.