In a significant move to ensure transparency in the education system and reduce the financial burden on parents, the district administration of Nainital issued notices to 17 private schools across Haldwani, Ramnagar, and Bhimtal on Saturday. The action follows complaints that schools were compelling parents to purchase costly private publications alongside NCERT textbooks and, in some cases, coercing them to buy books and academic materials exclusively from specific vendors.
Irregularities Flagged
Officials identified several irregularities, including excessive book requirements—sometimes two to three times the prescribed number for certain classes—and failure to publish mandatory disclosures on school websites. These practices were termed unfair and exploitative under the Right to Education Act, 2009, CBSE guidelines, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Action Taken
Acting on directives from District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, Chief Education Officer Govind Ram Jaiswal served notices to institutions such as Devbhoomi Senior Secondary School (Manpur West), Guru Drona Public School (Haldwani), Lakshya International School, BLM Academy Senior Secondary School, Woodbridge School (Bhimtal), Mallikarjun School (Bhimtal), St. Joseph Convent School (Pirumadara, Ramnagar), Great Mission Public School (Ramnagar), Garden Valley Public School (Ramnagar), Aryaman Vikram Birla School (Haldwani), Doon Public School (Nawabi Road), Wisdom Public School (Rampur Road), Inspiration Senior Secondary School, SKM Senior Secondary School (Rampur Road), Kingsford Senior Secondary School, Shemford Senior Secondary School (Motahaldu), and Himalaya Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School.
Instructions and Penalties
The schools have been instructed to release a revised book list within 15 days, prioritize essential and NCERT-based textbooks, end compulsory vendor-based purchases immediately, publish book lists and fee structures on official websites, and adjust or refund any excess charges collected. This marks the first time any state administration has directed schools to refund excess charges collected from parents, officials said.
Authorities warned that non-compliance could lead to suspension or cancellation of school recognition, financial penalties, and legal proceedings. A joint inspection committee will conduct a review within 15 days and submit its report.
