Schools Warned Against Forced Purchases, Monitoring Panel Set To Protect Parents: Sakina Itoo

Banihal | October, 17: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday issued a stern warning to private schools against forcing parents to buy books, uniforms, or stationery from designated vendors, promising strict administrative action against violators.
Talking to reporters during her visit to Banihal, the minister asserted that no private institution possesses the authority to direct commercial purchases, noting that such practices impose undue financial burdens on families. “If any private school is forcing parents to purchase books or other items from a particular vendor or shop, it will not be tolerated. No school can compel parents to buy these items from a specific shop, and action will be taken against those found doing so,” Itoo warned.
The minister urged parents to report instances of commercial coercion directly to departmental directors, the Education Secretary, or her office. Officials said a specialized monitoring committee involving Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) has been established to track complaints and ensure adherence to ethical norms at the district level. During her visit, Itoo also laid the foundation stone for the new building of Government Boys Higher Secondary School Banihal, funded at an estimated cost of Rs 11 crore, alongside MLA Sajjad Shaheen. Addressing a public gathering, she reiterated the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and resolving public grievances despite ongoing regional challenges.