Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Nov 4 (KNS): The Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora has constituted a seven-member district-level monitoring committee to inspect private schools and ensure compliance with government directions regarding prescribed textbooks, amid concerns over the cost of educational material and alleged compulsory purchase of unapproved books.

According to an order issued by the CEO Bandipora, the committee has been tasked with conducting regular inspections of private educational institutions to verify whether they are following the government-approved curriculum and using textbooks prescribed by the competent authority.

The panel will also ensure that no private school compels students or parents to purchase textbooks other than those approved under government instructions.

The committee will examine complaints received from parents, students and other stakeholders regarding alleged violations of textbook-related directions and other official instructions.

It has been directed to submit periodic inspection reports and recommendations to the Chief Education Officer, while bringing instances of non-compliance to the notice of the competent authority for action under the rules.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The seven-member committee comprises Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr G.M. Pujju, Headquarters Assistant Javid Iqbal Bhat, Section Officer Javid Ahmad Radoo, Principal Government Higher Secondary School Bandipora Javid Ahmad Magray, Zonal Education Officer Quilmuqam Mohammad Hussain Lone, Principal Higher Secondary School Nowgam Dr Khursheed Ahmad and Zonal Education Officer Sumbal Azad Ahmad Lone.

The move comes amid concerns raised by parents over the rising cost of textbooks and other educational materials prescribed by some private schools.

Several parents have been demanding stricter scrutiny of textbook lists and measures to prevent schools from compelling families to purchase books outside the approved curriculum.

The monitoring mechanism is intended to strengthen oversight of private schools, ensure implementation of government instructions and protect students and parents from unauthorised textbook-related practices.

The committee will also verify compliance with other relevant government orders and instructions during its inspections, with violations to be reported for appropriate action.(KNS)