Parents' associations in Karnataka have urged the state government to follow the example set by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who warned private schools against compelling parents to purchase books and uniforms from specific vendors. Despite similar regulations existing in Karnataka, enforcement remains weak. Several parents have won favorable judgments from the high court, but little has changed on the ground.
Parents' grievances
Mohammed Shakeel, a parent who has been fighting this issue, stated, "Schools have various ways to fleece parents. One of the biggest is through notebooks. Vendors issue notebooks with the school logo at almost double the market price of a normal one." He added, "Many schools have their own set of textbooks for lower grades which are unavailable in the market. So, parents are forced to buy the books from the schools, often through the school's app, where parents must buy the entire kit."
Shakeel described the kits as sometimes ridiculous, citing examples such as oil pastels of 30 shades for a first grader and instrument boxes every year. "Sometimes, they split books into two terms, citing the reason that they are reducing school bag weight, but actually doubling the book expenses. Some schools have in-house stores where these items are available round the year. It is a nexus," he said.
He also pointed out that some companies provide a complete academic program including curriculum, teacher training, assessments, and textbooks, supplying materials only to schools and not retail. "It is a method of direct benefit transfer to school by eliminating middlemen," Shakeel added.
Lack of political will
Sijo Sebastian, secretary of Voice of Parents association, said the government lacked political will to enforce its own directives. "Despite multiple circulars issued by the authorities, and judicial interventions emphasizing transparency, there has been a consistent failure in effective enforcement. Regulatory intent exists only on paper," Sebastian said.
Child rights activists noted that parents are on the verge of giving up. Nagasimha G Rao, an activist, said, "While there were a few complaints from parents last year, we have not received any this year. We usually guide them on how to take it up with education department officials. But, in no case so far, has it been of any use. So, parents have lost hope. And even if a few parents rebel against the system, they do not receive support from others, and finally have to compromise with the schools."
Former chairman of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Shashidar B, welcomed the Delhi CM's lead and urged other states to follow suit. "We have written to the education department to implement RTE and other rules effectively," he said.
Delhi CM's directive
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated, "On every school's notice board, website, or store where they provide books, it must be stated in writing that parents can purchase uniforms, books, or stationery from anywhere. There will be no compulsion for any parent to buy books only from the vendor the school recommends. If any discrepancy is found, the school will face the strictest action, and may even be taken over (by govt)."
Parent and school body reactions
A guardian said, "My grandchild is in primary class at a school in Hulimavu. The school charges over Rs 12,000 for books. The book kit includes a dictionary, atlas, and what not. The student ID card and a handbook costs another Rs 500. All these charges are over and above the tuition fees. This is daylight robbery."
D Shashi Kumar, secretary of the Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka, said, "We do not support any school that prescribes specific vendors or sells books/uniforms on campus. We have requested the govt to take action against such schools several times."
Existing rules
According to the Karnataka Educational Institutions Rules, "Purchase of uniform clothing and textbooks from the school or from a shop, etc, suggested by school authorities and stitching of uniform clothing with the tailors suggested by the school authorities, shall be at the option of the student or his parent. The school authorities shall make no compulsion in this regard."
