Jharkhand News: Dhanbad admin tightens noose on private schools over book sales

SUBHASH MISHRA

Dhanbad, May 16: The Dhanbad district administration has taken a strict stance against private schools allegedly forcing parents to buy books, uniforms, and other items from the respective schools.

Deputy Commissioner Madhvi Mishra, while chairing a meeting of the District Level Fee Committee, expressed serious concern over such arbitrary practices by several reputed private schools.

She clarified that no school management is permitted to compel students or their guardians to purchase books, uniforms, shoes, or bags from the school itself. “Schools cannot sell books on campus, nor can they force parents to buy them from the institution,” the DC said.

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Strict Measures and Deadlines Issued

The Deputy Commissioner has ordered an inquiry into the allegations of book sales within school premises, directing that a report be submitted within two weeks. She also instructed officials to verify the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the books being sold.

Warning of strict action, Mishra said that if any school is found violating the norms, a recommendation will be sent for the cancellation of its recognition.

The meeting was attended by Dhanbad MP Dhulu Mahto, Sadar MLA Raj Sinha, District Transport Officer Diwakar C. Dwivedi, District Education Officer Abhishek Jha, and District Superintendent of Education Ayush Kumar.

Student Safety and Transport Concerns

Responding to complaints raised by the MP and MLA, the Deputy Commissioner assured that the administration is committed to ensuring student safety.

She directed officials to verify the fitness of school buses and private vans used for student transport. Additionally, schools have been instructed to check the character certificates of their security personnel to ensure the safety of students.

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Parents’ Body Alleges Diversion of Key Issues

However, the Jharkhand Abhibhavak Mahasangh termed the meeting a mere eyewash. Its general secretary, Manoj Mishra, alleged that the meeting diverted attention from the core concerns of parents and students.

He pointed out that although it was a meeting of the District Fee Committee under the Jharkhand Education Tribunal Amendment Act, 2017, the issue of arbitrary fee hikes was not addressed.

“The committee was supposed to take action on complaints related to unjustified fee increases by private schools. But instead, the discussion was limited to other points. Parents who had pinned high hopes on this meeting are now left disappointed,” Mishra said.