NHRC flags costly private textbooks, seeks strict enforcement of NCERT norms

New Delhi — The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Ministry of Education, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories over allegations that private schools are prescribing expensive textbooks from private publishers in violation of existing norms.

A Bench led by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of a complaint claiming that several private schools—including CBSE-affiliated institutions—are mandating books from private publishers instead of those recommended by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) or respective State Councils (SCERTs).

According to the complaint, this practice places a heavy financial burden on families, as privately published books are significantly costlier than NCERT textbooks, which are subsidised to remain affordable.

The complaint further argued that such practices go against the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes equitable access to education, and may violate Section 29 of the Right to Education Act 2009.

It also raised concerns about schools prescribing multiple textbooks and workbooks, allegedly breaching the National School Bag Policy 2020, which aims to limit the weight of school bags and restrict unnecessary study material.

Taking serious note of the issue, the NHRC observed that the allegations, if proven, could amount to violations of the RTE Act. Exercising its powers under the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, the commission has asked authorities to investigate and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR).

The NHRC has specifically sought details on whether states have issued guidelines to ensure compliance with textbook norms. Where such measures are absent, it has directed authorities to issue clear instructions mandating the use of NCERT/SCERT textbooks at the elementary level.

Additionally, states have been asked to provide data on student enrolment in government and private schools, textbook procurement for the 2025–26 academic session, and details of any inspections or audits conducted to identify violations.

In cases where no audits have been carried out, the NHRC has instructed authorities to conduct school-wise reviews of prescribed booklists within 30 days and submit findings.

The commission has also called for strict enforcement of the National School Bag Policy. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has been asked to clarify the role of academic bodies like NCERT and SCERTs in deciding curriculum and textbooks, and whether examination boards have any authority in prescribing books at the elementary level.

The NHRC has directed that detailed reports, supported by relevant documents, be submitted within the stipulated timeframe for further review.

With inputs from IANS