CBSE directs affiliated schools not to sell books, uniforms, stationery

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday warned its affiliated schools against the commercialisation of education institutions, saying that the sale of books, uniforms and stationery by schools is a clear violation of norms.

The board issued the advisory reacting on several complaints filed by parents of students and stakeholders who claimed that schools are indulging in commercial acts by selling books and uniforms within the school premises or through selected retailers.

"The board has taken a serious note of the complaints and the schools are directed to desist from the unhealthy practice of coercing parents to buy text books, note books, stationary, uniforms, shoes, school bags, etc. from within the premise or from selected vendors only," the communication sent to schools read.

"CBSE norms mandate that schools are run as community service and not as a business and that commercialisation does not take place in the school in any shape whatsoever. Educational institutions are not commercial establishments and their sole purpose is to provide quality education," it added.

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The CBSE has also ordered the schools to strictly follow its earlier directive of only using books published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

"The board received reports and complaints regarding the pressure exercised by schools on children and their parents to buy textbooks other than that of NCERT," it said.