The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Education, Central Board of Secondary Education and chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories over allegations that private schools are prescribing expensive textbooks from private publishers in violation of norms.A bench headed by NHRC Member Priyank Kanongo took notice of a complaint claiming that several private schools, including those affiliated to CBSE, were asking students to use books from private publishers instead of those recommended by NCERT or state institutions.According to the complaint, this practice puts a financial burden on families, as privately published books are much more expensive than NCERT textbooks, which are subsidized to remain affordable.The complaint also stated that the practice is against the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which focuses on equitable and inclusive education, and is a violation of Section 29 of the Right to Education Act.He further alleged that writing multiple books and workbooks is against the National School Bag Policy, 2020, which regulates the weight of school bags and restricts extra material.Taking cognizance of the allegations, the NHRC said the allegations, if true, indicate possible violations of the RTE Act.Exercising its powers under the Protection of Human Rights Act, the commission has asked the education ministry and state authorities to look into the matter and submit an ‘action report’.The NHRC has sought details on whether states have issued guidelines to ensure compliance with textbook norms. It also sought data on student enrollment, textbooks used for the 2025-26 school year, and any inspections conducted to check for violations.In cases where no audit has been conducted, the commission has directed authorities to conduct a school-wise review of the book lists within 30 days.The NHRC has also called for strict implementation of the National School Bag Policy 2020.Separately, the education ministry has been asked to clarify the role of NCERT and SCERTs in deciding textbooks under the RTE Act, and whether the examination board has any authority to prescribe textbooks at the elementary level.
