Sindh bans forced school purchases gives parents relief

KARACHI: Parents of students studying in private schools have got a big relief, the school administration will no longer be able to force parents to buy from a specific shop or vendor.

According to the details, the Sindh Education and Literacy Department has taken major action against private schools across the province and imposed a complete ban on the sale of textbooks, uniforms and stationery within the school premises.

A formal notification has also been issued in this regard, under the new rules, the school administration will no longer be able to force parents to buy from a specific shop or vendor. The Education Department has issued the following important instructions:

The Education Department says that schools have been required to provide a complete list of books and stationery at the beginning of the academic year so that parents can purchase them cheaply from the open market at their own discretion.

The condition of buying notebooks (copies) with the school’s specific monogram or logo has also been declared illegal, while setting up any kind of stall or shop inside the school to sell items will now be a crime under the law.

The Directorate of Private Institutes has warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against schools violating these orders, which may include not only imposing heavy fines but also considering cancellation of the school’s registration.

Parents and civil society members welcomed the government’s move, saying that the decision will reduce education-related expenses and reduce the additional financial burden on parents, which will help in universalizing education.