The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Education, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories over allegations that some CBSE-affiliated schools are forcing students to buy expensive private textbooks.
As per existing norms, students in CBSE schools are expected to use textbooks prepared and published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which are intended to be available at affordable prices.
However, complaints alleged that several private schools following the CBSE curriculum recommend or compel students to purchase books published by private publishers in place of NCERT titles, increasing the financial burden on many families.
The complaint also said this practice undermines the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to ensure equitable and inclusive access to education.
A bench led by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo took up the matter and directed the Union education secretary and state chief secretaries to submit explanations and an immediate report on the action taken on the complaint.
