The Punjab education department has barred private schools from forcing parents to buy books or uniforms from specific shops under a new formal directive issued recently.
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According to the notification, no private school is permitted to require parents to purchase books, uniforms, or any other necessary items from designated vendors in districts.
Such practices have been deemed a clear violation of laws governing private schools, emphasizing the importance of parental freedom in making educational purchases for their children.
The department further stated that parents must not face any pressure for compulsory purchases, and complaints should be filed if schools attempt to enforce such actions.
Parents are advised to submit complaints to the relevant District Education Authority in their respective districts, as outlined in the Punjab education department’s official notification.
In November last year, the Competition Commission of Pakistan issued show-cause notices to seventeen major private schools for selling school-logo notebooks, workbooks, and uniforms to students exclusively.
The CCP’s action followed an inquiry report, directing schools to submit a written response within fourteen days regarding their allegedly coercive practices and agreements with specific vendors.
The investigation revealed that private schools abused their dominant position, compelling students to buy expensive, logo-branded notebooks and uniforms while making undisclosed arrangements with selected suppliers across Punjab.
