Private schools are promoting the commercialization of education: Seechewal

Jalandhar: Under the objective of “One Nation, One Education System,” Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised his voice in the Rajya Sabha against the alleged arbitrary practices being carried out by private schools. He highlighted the grave issue of private school managements compelling parents to purchase books, uniforms, stationery, and other materials exclusively from shops authorized by the school. Sant Seechewal unequivocally stated that private schools are imposing a heavy financial burden on ordinary families and are fostering the commercialization of education. Through Question No. 2920, raised in the Rajya Sabha, he asked the Central Government why private schools force parents to purchase expensive books, uniforms, and other materials solely from the school itself. He also sought information regarding the number of complaints received concerning this issue over the past five years, and inquired about the steps taken to curb the growing commercialization within the education sector.
He described such practices as not only unethical but also characterized them as direct economic exploitation of the common people. Responding to this sensitive issue, the Central Government shifted the responsibility onto the states, stating that education is a Concurrent Subject and that taking action in this regard falls within the jurisdiction of the State Governments. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary cited Section 12(1)(c) of the “Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009” (RTE), which mandates that at least 25 percent of seats in private schools must be reserved for children belonging to economically weaker and disadvantaged sections of society. The government further stated that efforts are being made, under the RTE Act, 2009, and the National Education Policy 2020, to ensure equitable and quality education for all. Additionally, the Minister pointed out that the CBSE had issued a circular in 2018 providing guidelines regarding the sale of books, stationery, and uniforms in private schools; this circular explicitly stated that schools cannot compel parents to purchase these items from any specific vendor. However, a major question still remains—are mere circulars sufficient to prevent such exploitation? Despite these guidelines, many schools continue to act arbitrarily.