After receiving complaints from parents that several schools were forcing them to buy textbooks and other stationery items online from a particular vendor, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has issued notices to six top city schools.
Both the Central Board of Secondary Education and the State government have categorically stated that schools cannot compel parents to buy stationery or uniforms on the school premises or from an empanelled vendor. Despite that, schools are insisting that parents procure books being sold at two to three times the original cost.
The summons, a copy of which is with The Hindu , has asked the managements of these six schools as well as the CEO of the Bengaluru-based online shopping service to appear before the commission later this week. The schools that have got notices include those affiliated to the CBSE and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.
A parent whose child studies in class two said the vendor they were directed to procure books from was charging more than three to four times the actual price. “The book store also does not give us an itemised bill. The school had also sent us messages to buy branded shoes costing ₹2,500, while normal sports shoes cost ₹600,” the parent said.
Another parent said it was wrong on part of the school managements to “fleece” parents.
“These schools and the vendors are in touch with each other and get a commission for the sales made,” the parent alleged.
Kripa Amar Alva, chairperson of the commission, said her priority was to stop this practice and later write to the authorities concerned to initiate action against the school managements.
A senior official of one of these schools said these arrangements were made reportedly in the interest of parents so that they do not have to run around. Calls and messages sent to the heads of these schools did not elicit any response.
