Costly School Books
News Kashmir Analysis
School books play a vital role in a student’s educational journey. They serve as a primary source of knowledge, introducing students to new concepts, ideas, and perspectives. School books help develop critical thinking, language, and problem-solving skills, while also fostering a love for reading and learning. They provide a structured and comprehensive learning experience, laying the foundation for future academic success.
The private education sector in Kashmir has witnessed significant growth over the past few decades, primarily due to the subpar performance of government schools in Jammu and Kashmir. School books and uniforms are essential components of private schools globally, including Kashmir. Books play a vital role in introducing students to new ideas, improving their language skills, and enhancing their memory and intelligence. Uniforms foster school spirit, unity, and pride among students.
However, in Kashmir, the exorbitant cost of school books and uniforms has become a pressing concern.
Some weeks back, Complaints are pouring in from various places against different private schools for resorting to “illegal profiteering” as the private schools affiliated with J&K Board of School Education (BOSE) are forcing the parents to purchase additional textbooks from specific bookshops.Besides this, some of the CBSE-affiliated private schools are prescribing textbooks from private publishers sold at exorbitant rates.
Parents and students have often alleged that schools are compelling them to purchase these items from specific vendors, particularly in prominent schools. This issue is reminiscent of a similar problem addressed by the Delhi government, which warned private schools against forcing parents to buy costly educational materials and uniforms from specific vendors.
For years, parents in Kashmir have felt helpless, being forced to buy books, uniforms, shoes, and stationery from schools or designated vendors. The frequent change in textbook patterns every two years further exacerbates the issue, with schools altering half or the entire set of books to compel parents to purchase new ones.
It is imperative that school books and uniforms be made available at affordable prices, as they are crucial for a student’s education. Stakeholders must collaborate to find a solution to this pressing issue.
