Haryana: Sirsa's private schools ‘rip off’ parents with costly books, Selja seeks action
As the new academic session begins, private schools in Sirsa have once again come under fire for “exploiting parents”. Expensive books from private publishers are being “forcibly” sold to students of primary to senior secondary levels, raising concerns about the Education Department’s “failure” to address the issue.
MP Kumari Selja, along with parents and various associations, has launched a campaign against private schools and book publishers. They are calling for immediate government action to stop the “exploitation”, and are demanding the use of NCERT books in all private and government schools across the state.
Selja criticised the government for “allowing” private schools to burden parents with high costs for books, uniforms and supplies. She accused the government of failing to address the issue, suggesting it appeared that private schools had been given free rein to exploit parents.
She pointed out that if the government focused on improving the quality of government schools, parents wouldn’t have to bear such financial strain. She claimed that parents were spending Rs 3,000-7,000 on books and supplies from nursery to Class VIII.Previously, bookstores provided written addresses for book purchases, but now they only provided verbal instructions. Despite multiple complaints, no action had been taken against private schools, she claimed.
Selja criticised schools for not using NCERT books, and instead opting for expensive private publications, which generated profits for publishers and commissions for schools, driving up costs for parents.
A parent shared with
The Tribune that his daughter was in Class III at a private school in the city. The total cost of her books came to over Rs 3,000. The Hindi grammar book, which is 80 pages, cost Rs 300. The English grammar book cost Rs 370, and the math book was priced at Rs 450.
The parent pointed out that these books were from a private publisher, calling for the school to be using NCERT books instead.
Parents’ Association of Haryana president Saurav Mehta also shared his frustration, noting that his son’s 10-page English book cost Rs 469.
He accused the government of ignoring the issue, despite his association’s efforts to raise concerns since 2022.
Mehta also alleged that book publishers and private schools bribed local and higher authorities to avoid action.
He added that many private schools in Sirsa were owned by politicians and religious and social organisations, making it difficult for local authorities to take action. In response, District Education Officer Ved Singh Dahiya confirmed that notices had been sent to both private and government schools, instructing them not to force expensive books on students.
He acknowledged that some NCERT books for classes IV, V, and VII were not be readily available, but said other NCERT books were in stock.
Dahiya promised further action against schools that continued to violate rules.
Meanwhile, several schools in Sirsa’s Baragudha block have submitted affidavits promising to use only NCERT books this year, a move that has gained attention on social media as a positive shift towards compliance.
