Amroha District Administration Launches Inquiry into Textbook Price Inflation at Private Schools
The district administration of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh has officially commenced a thorough investigation into allegations that private schools are engaging in the sale of overpriced textbooks to students. This decisive action was triggered by the widespread circulation of a poignant video on social media platforms, featuring a nine-year-old girl from the Hasanpur block making an earnest appeal for more affordable educational materials.
Viral Video Sparks Immediate Administrative Response
In a compelling 36-second video that rapidly gained traction online, Mahi, a Class 1 student enrolled at a private school, is heard respectfully addressing the district magistrate. "Ma'am, I respectfully request that the prices of books be reduced, as not all parents have the means to afford them," she stated, highlighting the financial strain faced by many families. The emotional appeal did not go unnoticed, prompting District Magistrate Nidhi Gupta Vats to take swift action by directing District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Pravesh Yadav to investigate the matter comprehensively.
District-Wide Inspection Uncovers Violations
Prior to the viral video, the district magistrate had already ordered a meticulous inspection across all private schools in Amroha that are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Uttar Pradesh Board. This proactive measure was initiated in response to numerous complaints from parents regarding exorbitant textbook costs. To execute this mandate effectively, DIOS Pravesh Yadav constituted six specialized block-level teams, each comprising three members, with a strict deadline to submit detailed reports within one week.
The preliminary findings from these inspections have revealed significant irregularities. Yadav confirmed that three private schools were identified as selling textbooks at inflated prices. Furthermore, these institutions were found to be compelling students to purchase books exclusively from a single vendor and prescribing publications that are not aligned with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) guidelines, thereby violating established educational norms.
Administrative Directives for Corrective Action
In light of these discoveries, District Magistrate Nidhi Gupta Vats has issued explicit instructions to the basic education department to take stringent action against the erring schools in accordance with regulatory frameworks. The administration is committed to ensuring that educational materials remain accessible and affordable for all students, thereby upholding the right to quality education without financial burden.
This inquiry underscores a broader issue within the private education sector, where profit motives sometimes overshadow educational integrity. The Amroha district administration's response serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding student interests and promoting equitable access to learning resources.
