The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has raised alarms over the financial burden imposed on parents by expensive textbooks prescribed by private schools. Following a complaint received on April 9, the NHRC issued notices to the Union education ministry, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and state authorities on April 15, expressing concerns that such practices may violate the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo's bench has directed the chief secretaries of states and Union Territories to respond within 30 days, highlighting the need for compliance with RTE norms and audits of prescribed books. The NHRC noted that the use of private textbooks could undermine the Act's goal of providing free and equitable education and may contribute to a two-tier education system driven by commercial interests. The stark price difference between NCERT textbooks, costing between ₹200 and ₹700 for Classes 1 to 8, and private publisher bundles, which can range from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000, raises further concerns. The NHRC has also requested clarification on the role of authorities like the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in textbook prescription.