The Nexus between Private Schools and Bookshops

The education system is the backbone of any society, and it is imperative to ensure that it is functioning optimally. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a rising nexus between private schools and bookshops, which is a cause of concern for parents and the government alike. This nexus has resulted in a monopolistic situation where parents are forced to buy books and stationery from a particular bookshop, which not only burdens them financially but also hinders the overall growth of the education system.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued orders time and again to stop such malpractices, but the situation on the ground remains unchanged. The lack of enforcement of laws and regulations has emboldened the private schools and bookshops to continue exploiting parents and students.

The solution to this problem lies in the implementation of a One Class, One Syllabus, Common Book Policy. The government must ensure that all schools, be it government or private, follow the same syllabus and use the same set of books. This would not only bring uniformity but also reduce the financial burden on parents.

Furthermore, the government must focus on improving the quality of education in government schools. There is a significant disparity in the quality of education between government and private schools, which is why many parents prefer sending their children to private schools. The government must invest in improving the infrastructure of government schools, providing better teaching staff, and ensuring that the syllabus is up to date. This would not only attract more students to government schools but also bring parity in the quality of education.

Parents must also be made aware of their rights and encouraged to speak out against such malpractices. The government must set up a helpline for parents to report any such incidents, and strict action must be taken against those who violate the rules.

Overall, the nexus between private schools and bookshops in Jammu and Kashmir is a cause of concern for parents and the government. It is high time that the government takes strict action against those involved in such malpractices and implements a One Class, One Syllabus, Common Book Policy. This would not only bring uniformity but also improve the quality of education in the state. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that every child in the state receives quality education and is not burdened by unnecessary expenses.