Raj edu dept issues notice to 4 private schools for violating guidelines

Jaipur: The Jaipur district education officer for elementary education issued notices to four private schools in the city Monday for violating state govt's guidelines regarding uniforms and stationery for private schools.

The guidelines issued on April 14 mention that private schools cannot put pressure on parents and students to buy uniforms and books from a particular place.

Jagdish Meena, DEO elementary in Jaipur, said that an inspection was conducted in private schools in 23 blocks across the district, and four schools were found violating the norms. "Notices have been issued to these schools and an explanation sought within three days. Action will be taken against the schools if the explanation is unsatisfactory," said Meena.

Private schools can use only approved syllabus books following the rules and regulations of their affiliated board. The list of books (including author, publisher, and price) should be displayed on the school's notice board or website one month before the session starts. Parents and students are free to buy books from the open market as per their convenience, add the guidelines.

Meanwhile, Sanyukt Abhibhavak Sangh, the representative body of aggrieved parents in the state, said that action was taken by the department as a "formality" after several complaints by parents. "The department has to respond to the state human rights commission, which issued a notice last month based on complaints from parents regarding fee hikes and other arbitrary fees demanded by private schools. The action taken Monday was just an eye-wash, before submitting the response," said Abhishek Jain Bittu, state spokesperson of the association.