Suhail Khan
ANANTNAG, DECEMBER 5: Acting on directives from the Education Minister to curb textbook overpricing, authorities have constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of exorbitant costs and substandard materials at a private school in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The move follows a formal complaint by a parent via the JK Samadhaan portal against New Whiz Kids School in Gundi Fathipora–Larkipora. Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Doru Shahabad issued the order for the probe after taking cognizance of the grievance, registered under ID No. RBTC/2025/112021.
The complainant alleged the school charged ₹6,000 for merely three books published by an obscure firm, criticizing their poor academic quality. He accused the institution of prioritizing profit over pedagogical standards.
“Had these been books from reputed publishers of high academic standing, the cost would not have been an issue,” the parent told Kashmir Convener. “Schools are now behaving irresponsibly, caring more for profit than for children. Profit, not quality content, is becoming the standard for selecting publishers.”
The committee will be chaired by Ab Majeed Wagay, Headmaster of Government High School Shangran. He will be assisted by Hamidullah Haji, Master at Government Middle School Mehmoodabad, and teacher Altaf Hussain Malik from Government Middle School Nadura.
According to the order, the panel is tasked with conducting a factual, ground-level inquiry and submitting a comprehensive report with recommendations within three days. Officials stated that further action will be determined upon receipt and examination of the committee’s findings.
This incident has reignited concerns over the commercialisation of private education, specifically the practice of compelling parents to purchase overpriced books from preferred—often unrecognised—publishers, a frequent complaint that burdens families and compromises educational quality.
The probe aligns with renewed directives issued last week by Minister for School Education, Health & Medical Education, and Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo. She instructed all educational institutions and bookshops across the Union Territory to adhere strictly to official regulations.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Minister Itoo detailed ongoing enforcement measures. “The Education Department has already issued orders, and directions have been given to the board’s authorities. These orders are now being strictly implemented,” she stated.
“We have acted upon numerous complaints,” she continued. “The affiliations of four out of eight investigated schools have been suspended, while fines have been imposed on more than four others. Every complaint is thoroughly examined, and any school found in violation will face action. No one will be permitted to operate arbitrarily.”
Minister Itoo emphasized a unified set of rules for all schools, private or government, and affirmed that no institution is permitted to impose undue financial or material demands on students and families.
She confirmed instructing Chief Education Officers to implement orders rigorously and launch a stringent campaign against private schools and agencies selling books at inflated prices. The Minister also appealed to parents to remain vigilant, report irregularities, and support the government’s mission to foster a transparent and student-friendly education system.
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