Attapur schools defy DEO orders, sell books despite ban
Hyderabad: Sri Vidya Nikethan High School and Sri Nikethan School in Attapur are selling books against DEO orders.
Recently, the District Education Officer Rohini instructed all Deputy Educational Officers and Deputy Inspectors of Schools in Hyderabad District to ensure that no private schools in the district, whether State/CBSE/ICSE, sell uniforms, shoes, belts, books, notebooks, or stationery for profit.
According to court orders, if any books, notebooks, or stationery are sold at school counters, they should be sold on a non-commercial, non-profit basis.
While speaking to Hyderabad Mail, Mahesh Kumar, a parent, said, “Still, books are sold in Sri Vidhya Nikethan High School and Sri Nikethan School. These schools are running under one administration, near Rambagh Temple in Attapur. They are not accepting online payment, not giving bills, and selling books, notebooks, covers, dairy, etc., all in the school computer lab.”
One parent said, “Many schools are selling books; everyone knows it. It’s an open secret. But we can’t do anything about it. If we file a complaint against the school, I fear that the school management won’t treat our children like others.”
Mahesh Kumar said, “Every school should have the same books. Only then can these price discrepancies be eliminated. I was charged Rs. 6,300 for books that cost Rs.5,186. When I inquired about the extra amount, they mentioned it was for cover, diary, and exam papers.”
Mahesh Kumar articulated his viewpoint, asserting, “In my view, there should be uniformity in educational resources, such as textbooks and dress codes, across all schools. There should be parity among students, ensuring equal access to education regardless of socioeconomic status. If standardized examination papers are provided to all students, it follows that a consistent syllabus should be implemented across schools.”
Srikhande Umesh Kumar, the Founder of Know Your Rights NGO, emphasized the importance of parental involvement, stating, “If parents fail to actively participate, it becomes difficult for others to champion their cause. It is imperative that they take a proactive stance in effecting change within the system. Their vocal advocacy is essential, as without it, they will be compelled to acquiesce to the status quo.”
Umesh Kumar suggested that state-printed books should be used for state boards, while NCERT books should be preferred for CBSE. He added, “We are lodging a complaint against certain schools with evidence to NCPCR & CBSE through our NGO. Harassing or mistreating a child constitutes mental harassment, which violates Section 17 of the RTE Act. In such cases, a formal complaint can be lodged with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).”