In a recent directive, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Chairperson, Priyank Kanoongo, instructed all the states to take precautionary steps to reduce the cost of education in private schools and to use the NCERT books at the elementary level mandatorily. The directive was issued in response to concerns raised over private schools prescribing textbooks published by private publishers. Using privately published textbooks not only increases the financial burden on parents but also disregards children’s right to quality education as per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
The NCPCR is steadfastly committed to guaranteeing accessible and high-quality education for every child throughout India. The NCPCR emphasises that no child should face any kind of discrimination, harassment, or neglect for carrying NCERT-prescribed books. The commission highlighted the importance of protecting children from any form of mental or physical suffering caused by such actions. To ensure that these directives are adhered to, the NCPCR has requested the States to submit a report within 30 days in which they want detailed steps taken to implement the recommendations. Additionally, to ensure that high-quality education for every child is equitably accessible, the commission emphasises the importance of standardising the curriculum across all schools governed by the RTE Act, 2009.
In addition to advocating for the use of NCERT books, the NCPCR also focuses on the need to reduce the weight of school bags as it recognises the adverse effects of heavy bags on children’s health and well-being.
Chairperson Kanoongo claims that private schools that are extorting money to promote expensive books from private publishers will definitely face the repercussions, including potential legal action under the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015. His assertion regarding the unreasonable practices of some private schools sheds light on the financial pressures that are faced by the parents. Expensive textbooks from private publishers not only constrain household budgets but also promote inequality in education. Thus, by mandating the use of NCERT books, which are typically more affordable and widely available, the NCPCR aims to reduce the financial burden while maintaining educational standards simultaneously.
By sending legal notice and registering FIRs against these private schools that violate these directives, the NCPCR requests the State authorities to take proactive measures. NCPCR also sends a clear-cut message that it will not tolerate any practices that compromise children’s rights to education and protection from exploitation by leveraging legal mechanisms such as the Juvenile Justice Act.
Through its commitment to safeguarding children’s right to education and ensuring that all children have access to affordable, high-quality educational resources regardless of their background, NCPCR’s efforts are visible. And, in this journey of getting equitable access to quality education, the NCPCR also aims to reduce the financial burden on parents. By advocating for the use of NCERT books in private schools, the commission hopes to standardise educational resources, thereby levelling the playing field for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
The NCPCR’s directives related to the use of NCERT books and the reduction of education costs in private schools are pivotal steps towards creating a more inclusive and equitable education system for all. By addressing such systemic challenges and fighting for children’s rights, the commission plays an important role in shaping the future of education in India. Not only this, the commission also aims to build a culture of accountability where the best interests of children are prioritised above all else by promoting greater transparency.
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