The new academic session in schools across Kashmir has begun. Amid complaints about the rising prices of textbooks, notebooks and uniforms in private schools, the timing of government directions on textbooks and school-related charges has become questionable. Any decision intended to provide relief to parents must come at a time when it can actually make a difference. Education Minister Shamima Firdous has said that private schools cannot burden parents with unnecessary charges and that the government will ensure proper audits and accountability against institutions violating fee-related norms. The academic session 2026-27 in Kashmir began on November 2 for students. Schools had completed annual examinations and declared results in accordance with the academic calendar. By the time the new session started, private schools had already issued textbook lists, and many parents had purchased the required books for their children. Around 10 days into the session, any fresh directions on textbook requirements or purchases are unlikely to provide meaningful relief to families who have already spent their money. The government must understand that decisions concerning private schools need to be taken before parents are asked to make purchases. Unfortunately, these complaints crop up every year, and therefore, directions on approved textbooks, book lists, vendors and other related requirements should ideally be issued immediately after the conclusion of final examinations. This would give parents sufficient time to understand the rules before schools begin the new academic session. Issuing instructions after books have been purchased defeats much of their purpose. Private schools have considerable responsibility in this regard. They should not frequently change prescribed textbooks without academic justification, compel parents to purchase books from particular vendors or prescribe unnecessary additional material. There must be transparency in the selection of books, and parents should receive complete lists well before the session begins. The issue of miscellaneous charges is equally important. Parents often complain about additional payments under different heads, with little clarity about their purpose. While private institutions have legitimate operational expenses, these cannot become an excuse for imposing arbitrary charges. Every fee and additional payment must have a clear justification and comply with government regulations. The Education Department’s assurance of audits and accountability must therefore translate into regular monitoring and effective enforcement. Merely asking schools not to burden parents will not resolve the problem unless there is a mechanism to examine complaints, verify charges and take action against violations. Parents should also have an accessible platform to raise grievances without fear of being targeted or facing inconvenience for their children. At the same time, the government must recognise that parents cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for policy decisions. They purchase books in advance because they want their children to be prepared when classes begin. It is unfair to expect families to bear the cost first and then announce measures intended to regulate such purchases. The next academic session should not witness a repetition of the same situation. The Education Department must issue clear instructions well before private schools announce textbook requirements.
School Accountability
