Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi, March 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Under the goal of “One Nation, One Education System,” Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised his voice in the Rajya Sabha against the alleged malpractices being carried out by private schools. He highlighted the serious issue of private school managements forcing parents to purchase books, uniforms, stationery, and other materials exclusively from school-authorized outlets.
Sant Seechewal clearly stated that private schools are placing a heavy financial burden on ordinary families and are promoting the commercialization of education.
Through Question No. 2920 raised in the Rajya Sabha, he asked the Central Government that private schools compel parents to buy expensive books, uniforms, and other materials only from the school. He also inquired about the number of complaints received over the past five years regarding this issue and what steps have been taken to curb the growing commercialization in education.
He termed such practices not only unethical but also a direct financial exploitation of common people.
Responding to this sensitive issue, the Central Government shifted the responsibility to the states, stating that education is a concurrent subject and actions in this regard fall under the jurisdiction of state governments. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary referred to Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE), which mandates that at least 25% seats in private schools must be reserved for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections.
The government also stated that efforts are being made to ensure equal and quality education for all under the RTE Act, 2009 and the National Education Policy 2020. Additionally, the minister mentioned that CBSE had issued a circular in 2018 providing guidelines regarding the sale of books, stationery, and uniforms in private schools, clearly stating that schools cannot force parents to purchase these items from specific vendors.
However, a major question still remains—are circulars alone sufficient to stop such exploitation? Many schools continue to act arbitrarily despite these guidelines.
The Purpose of Education Should Be Service, Not Profit — Sant Seechewal
Sant Seechewal emphasized that the true objective of the government’s “One Nation, One Education Policy” can only be fulfilled when education is accessible, equitable, and of good quality for every section of society. He stressed that the purpose of education should be service, not profit. He warned that if exploitation in the name of education is not checked in time, education will become increasingly expensive and difficult for ordinary families.
This is not just an issue of school management, but one deeply connected to social justice, equality, and the right to education. If the arbitrary practices of private schools are not controlled, education will cease to be a right and will instead become a privilege only for the wealthy.
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