Watch: Man Calls Out Schools For Ignoring New Education Policy And Selling Costly Books – News18

Last Updated:April 04, 2025, 19:04 IST

A man criticised educational institutions for selling overpriced textbooks, which also puts unnecessary pressure on parents.

The rising cost of everyday essentials has already placed a financial strain on many families, and the exorbitant prices of school textbooks are only adding to the burden. A recent video circulating on social media highlights how private schools are increasingly operating like shopping malls, selling textbooks at unreasonably high prices.

In the viral clip, a man voices his frustration over schools charging Rs 6000 for textbooks, arguing that this makes school bags unnecessarily heavy and puts parents under financial stress. He also points out that despite the New Education Policy’s emphasis on One Nation, One Class, One Curriculum, and One Publication, schools continue to sell expensive books, seemingly ignoring the policy’s intent.

Expressing his concern, he sarcastically remarks, “Today, I’ve brought textbooks for Class 5 students. The special feature of these books? Their cover pages must be made of silver! If not, then perhaps the silver-embossed photos inside make them so costly. Or maybe, as soon as a child touches them, all the content magically stays in their mind! But if none of this is true, why do these books cost Rs 5000-Rs 6000?”

Questioning the system, he further asks, “If the New Education Policy envisions ‘One Nation, One Class, One Curriculum, One Publication,’ then why are private schools selling such overpriced books? They are not only increasing the weight of school bags but also putting a heavy financial burden on parents. Why is this happening?”

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “This hits hard. Schools are turning into shopping malls, buy everything here, but for education, go elsewhere. Maybe it’s time for a ‘Parent Union’ to negotiate better fees and actual learning.”

Another shared, “India is not a nation; it is a marketplace. Anyone will do anything for money. Anyone will say anything to grab attention and anyone will spread propaganda to divide the people of India for vote bank politics.”

“These are just textbooks; notebooks also will have to be bought from the fixed vendor and they will cost another 5k,” a comment read.

An individual suggested, “We need to pass a law where a school cannot sell anything else but education. Schools selling fixed supplies at inflated costs with massive kickbacks. This is also affecting the retail industry that relies on school supplies.”

Another mentioned, “Every school is charging as per their wish. Why to buy books from school? Can’t we get outside? This is the tactics of making more money.”

One more added, “Suggestion: 1 nation, 1 curriculum, 1 publication, 1 set of books for respective boards and government should provide books to all students free of cost. The same set of books should be passed to next batch and so on. Government to procure new books, if damaged due to wear and tear.”

According to Times of India reports, Delhi’s education minister Ashish Sood has introduced a new guideline for private schools. As per this rule, schools are no longer allowed to force parents or students to buy books and other learning materials from specific shops or sellers. The guideline also states that schools and principals must make sure students are not asked to buy extra study materials that are not part of the official syllabus.

Location :

Delhi, India, India