Commercialisation of Education

The issue of private schools prescribing textbooks against the norms set by the School Education Department has sparked widespread concern among parents and the general public. In response to the controversy, Dr G. N. Itoo, Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), has issued directives emphasising the necessity of adhering to established guidelines to ensure private schools operate within the regulatory framework. Following meetings with private school heads, parents and departmental officers, the DSEK, as per an official statement issued on Sunday, stressed the importance of compliance with rules regarding textbook prescriptions. Private schools have been instructed to upload details of their prescribed textbooks on their websites within three days, a measure aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. This directive comes amidst numerous complaints from parents and stakeholders regarding private schools prescribing textbooks not recommended by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) and charging exorbitant fees for them. Ironically, the order was issued only after an uproar on social media, once again exposing the authorities’ failure to take preemptive action. Such practices have become a recurring issue at the beginning of each academic session. The matter extends beyond the choice of textbooks to the significant financial burden placed on parents. Reports of children being charged over Rs. 8,000 for textbooks have incited widespread outrage. The sale of non-recommended textbooks, often facilitated directly within school premises, has exacerbated the issue. These practices not only violate established norms but also exploit parents, who feel compelled to purchase these costly materials to secure their children’s education. The soaring prices of unnecessary textbooks raise ethical concerns about the commercialisation of education and the responsibilities of private schools to uphold fair practices. In response to these grievances, district-wise monitoring committees have been established to oversee the implementation of guidelines, with Chief Education Officers (CEOs) tasked with daily reporting on the matter. Furthermore, the Education Minister, Sakeena Itoo, has pledged prompt action against violators, asserting that schools found guilty of prescribing or selling non-recommended textbooks will face immediate consequences, including the potential loss of recognition. The insistence on adhering to JKBOSE recommendations for textbooks is essential to ensure uniformity in educational standards and to prevent unnecessary financial exploitation. However, the issue underscores broader challenges in regulating private education. The commercialisation of education, driven by the profit motives of certain private schools, undermines the fundamental purpose of education as a public good. The sale of non-recommended textbooks is merely one example of this larger problem. Therefore, the government must not only enforce existing regulations but also strengthen oversight mechanisms and establish stronger cooperation between private schools, regulatory bodies and the wider community. The involvement of parents and other stakeholders in raising concerns about these practices highlights the impact of collective efforts in driving change. The widespread public outcry has played a crucial role in compelling the government to take swift action. However, it is hoped that the government does not issue mere orders but take strict action against erring schools.