Chandigarh (Punjab) [India]Apr 12 (ANI): On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the state Department of Education on Tuesday ordered private schools in the state to immediately post the list of at least three book/uniform stores in towns and another 20 in towns to be shared with District Education Officers (ODDs).
This decision aims to allow parents to have the opportunity to buy books in all prescribed stores near their place of residence. In particular, previously, parents of students were unduly harassed by the school management to buy books from a particular store. The chief minister has already categorically ordered private schools not to force parents to buy books and uniforms from a specific store, the state government statement said.
Chairing a review meeting, Education Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer asked the DEOs to form inspection teams to ensure strict compliance with these orders. These teams will verify the list of stores through random inspections and strict action will be taken in case of violation.
The minister further directed district regulators headed by deputy commissioners to act proactively on complaints against private schools.
The Minister further stated that it came to his attention despite strict instructions from the Chief Minister; yet few private schools grossly violated these orders. He said these failing schools would soon face stern action for flouting these instructions and asked them to comply with these orders in letter and spirit. (ANI)
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