<![CDATA[ Nagpur Schools Told to Use Only NCERT and SCERT Books, Private Publishers Push Back ]]> Nagpur’s district education office has instructed all secondary and higher secondary schools in the district to use only NCERT or SCERT textbooks, following complaints from parents over the use of costly books published by private companies.

The directive, issued on Monday evening, applies to schools across all boards and mediums. Authorities warned that strict action would be taken against schools found forcing students to purchase books from specific private publishers. In serious cases, schools could even face cancellation of their No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The move comes after several parents raised concerns about the increasing financial burden caused by expensive textbooks prescribed by schools. According to the education office, some schools were allegedly promoting books from private publishers without officially listing them in the approved book list.

However, the order has triggered criticism from private school associations. The Unaided Schools Forum (USF), a Maharashtra-wide body representing many reputed schools, argued that the directive was based on incorrect assumptions and exceeded the authority of the district education office.

Speaking on the issue, USF honorary secretary SC Kedia said there is no legal restriction in India on using books published by private companies. He explained that schools are only required to ensure that the books they choose align with the curriculum approved by the government.

Kedia also questioned whether education departments or even boards like Central Board of Secondary Education have the authority to force schools to use particular textbooks. According to him, education boards mainly function as examination and certification bodies rather than regulators of textbook selection.

The education office referred to earlier government orders, including a circular issued on June 11, 2004, and another directive from the director of education dated April 18. These guidelines state that schools should not compel parents to purchase uniforms, books, or educational materials from specific shops or vendors.

Meanwhile, some school principals pointed out practical challenges with relying entirely on NCERT books. They claimed that delays in textbook availability have created difficulties for schools in the past. One principal cited the recent Class 9 curriculum revision, where schools reportedly struggled because printed textbooks were unavailable at the start of the academic session. Teachers had to rely on digital versions released later to continue classroom instruction.

The debate has once again highlighted the larger issue of balancing affordable education for parents with schools’ flexibility in choosing academic resources for students.

]]> en Wed, 05 27, 2026 10:00 am <![CDATA[ Nagpur Schools Told to Use Only NCERT and SCERT Books, Private Publishers Push Back ]]> Nagpur’s district education office has instructed all secondary and higher secondary schools in the district to use only NCERT or SCERT textbooks, following complaints from parents over the use of costly books published by private companies.

The directive, issued on Monday evening, applies to schools across all boards and mediums. Authorities warned that strict action would be taken against schools found forcing students to purchase books from specific private publishers. In serious cases, schools could even face cancellation of their No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The move comes after several parents raised concerns about the increasing financial burden caused by expensive textbooks prescribed by schools. According to the education office, some schools were allegedly promoting books from private publishers without officially listing them in the approved book list.

However, the order has triggered criticism from private school associations. The Unaided Schools Forum (USF), a Maharashtra-wide body representing many reputed schools, argued that the directive was based on incorrect assumptions and exceeded the authority of the district education office.

Speaking on the issue, USF honorary secretary SC Kedia said there is no legal restriction in India on using books published by private companies. He explained that schools are only required to ensure that the books they choose align with the curriculum approved by the government.

Kedia also questioned whether education departments or even boards like Central Board of Secondary Education have the authority to force schools to use particular textbooks. According to him, education boards mainly function as examination and certification bodies rather than regulators of textbook selection.

The education office referred to earlier government orders, including a circular issued on June 11, 2004, and another directive from the director of education dated April 18. These guidelines state that schools should not compel parents to purchase uniforms, books, or educational materials from specific shops or vendors.

Meanwhile, some school principals pointed out practical challenges with relying entirely on NCERT books. They claimed that delays in textbook availability have created difficulties for schools in the past. One principal cited the recent Class 9 curriculum revision, where schools reportedly struggled because printed textbooks were unavailable at the start of the academic session. Teachers had to rely on digital versions released later to continue classroom instruction.

The debate has once again highlighted the larger issue of balancing affordable education for parents with schools’ flexibility in choosing academic resources for students.

]]> News 2 Wed, 05 27, 2026 10:00 am