Directions issued to private schools regarding books, fees hike and uniforms: CEO
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Dehradun Chief Education Officer (CEO) Vinod Kumar Dhaundiyal stated that guidelines have been issued to private schools regarding uniforms, books, fees and other related matters. This information was shared during discussions about the pressure schools have been exerting on parents to purchase books from a particular bookstore that was recently sealed by the authorities.
It will be recalled that on April 1, officials sealed four bookstores for various violations in Dehradun. According to sources, some parents have reported that they are still being pressurised by the schools to buy books from the sealed bookstore.
The president of the National Association for Parents’ and Students’ Rights (NAPSR), Arif Khan stated that despite the closure or sealing of certain shops, parents are still being compelled by the schools to purchase books exclusively from those stores. He emphasised that the need for action is evident as the administration should have taken decisive measures against schools that force parents to buy particular books from particular bookstores in order to receive commissions.
Khan urged the Education department and district administration to take stringent action against schools that continue to press parents to buy books from specific stores. The action should include the potential revocation of their affiliation. He warned that if the Education department fails to act promptly, they will organise protests and may lock up the gate of the department’s office.
Meanwhile, Dhaundiyal stated that recently, directions have been issued to private schools, urging them not to exploit and follow the established guidelines regarding fees, books and uniforms. He also added that a committee has been established at the block level to handle any complaints related to schools, ensuring that actions are taken after a thorough investigation.
Additionally, he said that a helpline number has been introduced for parents to file their grievances. Although complaints have been received so far, many of them are repetitive. For example, five parents have lodged similar complaints about the same school with similar issues, he said.
