NHRC Raises Concerns Over Costly Textbooks in Private Schools
NHRC flags financial burden of textbooks of private publishers, seeks report
Hindustan Times
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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has issued notices to the Union education ministry and state authorities regarding the financial burden of expensive textbooks from private publishers in private schools. The NHRC is concerned about potential violations of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act and seeks compliance reports within 30 days.
- 01NHRC has flagged the financial burden of private school textbooks.
- 02Allegations suggest violations of the Right to Education Act.
- 03Private schools dominate the CBSE ecosystem, with 23,090 out of 30,415 affiliated schools.
- 04The price disparity between NCERT and private publisher textbooks is significant.
- 05States are taking measures to prevent schools from compelling parents to buy from specific vendors.
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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.
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This situation affects parents financially, as they may face increased costs for their children's education due to expensive textbooks.
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