– Ronita Torcato

The government will take strict action against schools that compel students to buy books, uniforms and other educational materials from specific shops, Maharashtra’s minister of state for school education Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar said in the Legislative Council recently.

He was responding to a question from Council member Sudhakar Adbale. In the discussion that ensued, members Bhai Jagtap, Chitra Wagh and Praveen Darekar participated.

Dr. Bhoyar clarified that the government is firmly opposed to such coercion and nodal officers will be appointed in each divisional deputy director’s office. These officers will be responsible for monitoring the procurement process in schools and initiating immediate action against those violating the rules.

The minister said instructions have already been given to draw up a list of the accused schools. Based on this list, an inspection will be carried out and punitive action will be taken where necessary, he said.

It may be noted that this practice is decades old and it is not clear why the authorities have been laggardly in addressing the issue.

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