No Sale of Uniforms, Shoe and Belt in School Premises: DEO Hyderabad

 Hyderabad, May 31 District educational officer (DEO) R. Rohini has prohibits private unaided schools from selling books, uniforms and stationery within their premises, bringing relief to those parents who have not yet purchased the material. The DEO’s move was intended to curb the commercialisation within educational institutions, ensuring that parents are not coerced into purchasing expensive items from specific vendors.

This directive came weeks after Burra Venkatesham, education principal secretary, assured that the issues of school fee, sale of material and others would be taken up soon.

For several years now, parents have voiced their frustrations at being compelled by private schools to buy books, uniforms and other supplies at inflated prices, often from select vendors endorsed by the schools.

The DEO's directive mandates all deputy educational officers and deputy inspectors of schools to ensure compliance, instructing them to establish mandal-level committees for regular monitoring. "Any violations are to be reported immediately for necessary action. This enforcement aligns with the broader efforts to prevent the commercial exploitation of parents and students within the educational framework," the notice said. "Schools should focus on providing quality education and not operate as commercial entities," stated Rohini in her directive. The order ensures educational institutions would desist from any form of commercialisation within their premises.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mahadeo Kumar S., a parent of two school-going children, said, "Every academic year, we faced immense pressure from the school to buy supplies from their designated shops. The prices were always higher than the market rate." The directive, Kumar believes, will bring much-needed relief and financial respite to many parents.

Rani Gupta, another parent, added, "We often felt helpless when schools forced us to purchase entire kits, including unnecessary items, just to make more profit. This order will allow us to make more economical choices for our children's education."

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has previously issued advisories against such practices, urging schools to function as community service entities rather than commercial establishments.

The DEO's office reiterated that the mandate is to be treated with utmost urgency, and any school found in violation will face strict consequences.

Parents are now hopeful that this order will be followed by actions addressing the exorbitant fee hikes in private schools.