Summary
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a strong stand against private schools that force parents to buy expensive textbooks. On Wednesday, the commission issued formal notices to the Union Ministry of Education, the CBSE, and top officials in all states and Union Territories. The move follows complaints that many schools are ignoring government rules by choosing costly books from private publishers instead of affordable NCERT versions. This action aims to reduce the financial pressure on families and ensure that schools follow national education laws.
Main Impact
This intervention by the NHRC could lead to a major change in how private schools select their teaching materials. By demanding that schools stick to NCERT or SCERT textbooks, the commission is trying to make education more affordable for everyone. If the government enforces these rules strictly, parents could save a significant amount of money every academic year. Furthermore, it forces schools to comply with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which is designed to make learning accessible and fair for all children regardless of their family's income.
Key Details
What Happened
A bench led by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo reviewed a complaint about the rising cost of school supplies. The complaint pointed out that many private schools, including those under the CBSE board, require students to buy books from private companies. These books often cost much more than the official textbooks provided by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The NHRC noted that if these claims are true, they represent a serious violation of the law. The commission has now asked for an "Action Taken Report" from the central and state governments to address these concerns.
Important Numbers and Facts
The NHRC has set a strict timeline for authorities to respond. State governments have been told to conduct a school-wise audit of booklists within 30 days. This audit will check which schools are using private books instead of government-approved ones. The commission also asked for data on student enrollment and textbook orders for the 2025–26 academic year. The notice specifically mentions Section 29 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which sets the standards for school curriculums. It also highlights the National School Bag Policy of 2020, which aims to limit the weight of bags by restricting extra workbooks and reference materials.
Background and Context
In India, education is seen as a basic right. To keep costs low, the government provides subsidized textbooks through NCERT. However, many private schools prefer books from private publishers. These publishers often bundle textbooks with expensive workbooks and digital tools, which increases the total price. For many middle-class and low-income families, these costs are hard to manage. Additionally, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes inclusive education. When schools mandate expensive books, they create a barrier that goes against the spirit of this policy. The issue of heavy school bags is also a long-standing health concern for young students, which is why the 2020 Bag Policy was created.
Public or Industry Reaction
Parents and student rights groups have welcomed the NHRC's move. Many families have long complained about "hidden costs" in private education, where schools often have tie-ups with specific bookshops or publishers. On the other hand, some private school associations argue that private books offer better quality or more modern content than government versions. However, the NHRC's focus remains on the legal requirement to follow the RTE Act. The commission is now waiting for the Ministry of Education to clarify whether examination boards even have the power to tell elementary schools which books to use.
What This Means Going Forward
In the coming weeks, state education departments will have to start inspecting schools. If a school is found to be forcing parents to buy expensive private books, they may face penalties or be ordered to change their booklists immediately. The Ministry of Education is also expected to issue a clear statement on the roles of NCERT and SCERT. This will help remove any confusion about who decides the curriculum. For parents, this could mean a lighter financial load and lighter school bags for their children starting from the next school term. The results of the 30-day audit will be a key factor in how the government handles non-compliant schools.
Final Take
The NHRC’s decision to step in shows that the high cost of private education is now being treated as a human rights issue. By demanding transparency and adherence to the RTE Act, the commission is sending a clear message: schools should focus on teaching, not on making profit through book sales. Ensuring that all students have access to affordable, high-quality textbooks is a vital step toward a fairer education system in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the NHRC issue these notices?
The NHRC issued the notices because private schools are allegedly forcing parents to buy expensive books from private publishers, which violates government rules and the Right to Education Act.
What is the problem with private publisher books?
Private books are much more expensive than NCERT books. They also often include extra workbooks that make school bags too heavy, violating the National School Bag Policy.
What happens next for the schools?
States must conduct audits of school booklists within 30 days. Schools found ignoring NCERT norms may be forced to change their books or face action from education authorities.
