Education dept tightens norms for school purchases

District-level education officers have been asked to closely monitor compliance and act promptly on complaints

The Maharashtra school education department on Saturday warned private primary and secondary schools not to force parents to buy uniforms, textbooks, or other educational materials from specific shops.

The directive also makes it clear that schools cannot mandate the use of books from particular private publishers. (HT)

Reinforcing earlier orders, including a government resolution issued on June 11, 2004, and subsequent directions in 2025, the department has instructed authorities to ensure strict implementation across all schools, irrespective of their management or medium of instruction.

District-level education officers have been asked to closely monitor compliance and act promptly on complaints.

“Schools must not compel parents to purchase uniforms or educational materials from specific vendors. Any such practice will be treated seriously, and strict action will be taken after due verification,” said Mahesh Palkar, director of education (secondary and higher secondary) .

The directive also makes it clear that schools cannot mandate the use of books from particular private publishers. Schools affiliated with the state board, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) must use textbooks prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) or State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) (Balbharati), while schools under other boards must follow books approved by their respective authorities.