Srinagar, Nov 9: Education Minister Shameema Firdous on Monday said the government would take stringent measures to regulate private schools and address complaints of arbitrary practices, including excessive charges for textbooks, uniforms and other educational requirements.
Speaking to reporters, Firdous said some private schools were framing their own rules, denying admission to children from economically weaker sections and subjecting parents to undue pressure over fee payments and the purchase of books and uniforms.
She said certain institutions were compelling parents to purchase uniforms from designated sources, leaving them with little choice despite concerns over the quality and cost of the material.
The minister said she would convene a meeting with the Director of School Education and other concerned officials to examine the functioning of private schools and identify measures to address these concerns.
Expressing concern over the high cost of textbooks, she said some schools were charging between Rs 6,000 and Rs 10,000 for book sets. The government was examining the issue and an order would be issued after consultations with the concerned authorities, she added.
Firdous said private schools would be allowed to focus on providing quality education, but their functioning would have to remain within a proper regulatory framework to protect the interests of students and parents.
