CBSE directs schools to sell only NCERT books in their shops
The circular has been sent to all the CBSE affiliated schools across the country with a warning that selling books other than the NCERT books in ‘tuck’ shops will attract action against the school.
‘Tuck’ shops inside the school premises will not be able to sell books by private publishers and have to provide only NCERT books. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday further clarified that the shops will be able to sell stationery items such as pen, pencil, copy among others but the price cannot be more than the maximum retail price (MRP).
The circular has been sent to all the CBSE affiliated schools across the country with a warning that selling books other than the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books in these shops will be considered a violation of the circular and will attract action against the school.
In April 2017, CBSE had asked schools to avoid indulging in commercial activities like selling uniforms or other stationary items and books. Considered to be a noble approach, the Board warns of strict action against the school, if it sells books of other publishers other than NCERT.
According to a senior official, the board has asked schools not to stock books by private publishers.
Earlier the CBSE had issued circular related to distribution of NCERT textbooks, selling of stationary items and provision of ‘tuck’ shops in the school premises and had asked the schools to desist from the unhealthy practice of coercing parents to buy textbooks and stationery items from within the premises or from selected vendors only. There are more than 18000 schools across the country affiliated to the CBSE.
“However, it has been brought to the notice of the board through various complaints that schools are still selling books and uniforms within the school premises, or through select vendors,” the earlier circular read.
Earlier, the board had said that as per rule 19.1 (ii) of the CBSE Affiliation By-Laws, institutions such as societies, trusts and companies registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act-1956 should ensure that schools are run as a community service, and not as a business venture. This means that the educational institutions concerned shouldn’t indulge in any kind of commercial activity.
