The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched an initiative to provide free textbooks and uniforms to students studying in government schools. School Education Minister Shamima Firdous, giving the information on November 9, said the government’s aim is to provide children in government schools with facilities on a par with students in private schools. This will reduce the cost of education for economically weaker families and help increase parents’ interest in government schools.
Facility for children from Classes 1 to 8
According to the education minister, arrangements are being made to provide free books and uniforms to students from Classes 1 to 8 in government schools. This time, distribution of books for the new academic session has begun in November itself, whereas earlier parents had to wait until March or December to receive books. The government has also started a “Books Day” initiative so that children can receive study material on time.
Action being prepared on expensive books in private schools
The minister expressed concern over the cost of book sets in some private schools ranging from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000. She said the government will soon issue an order on such arrangements that place a financial burden on parents. A meeting will be held with the director of education and the officials concerned for this.
Pressure to buy from preferred shops also under watch
The government has received complaints that some private schools compel parents to buy books, stationery and uniforms from specified shops. The minister said private schools cannot trouble parents by imposing their own conditions. The government is also preparing regulation regarding uniformity in the curriculum and the functioning of private schools.
However, the detailed form of the proposed new order for private schools has not yet come out. The government will take further action after discussions with the officials concerned.
Hashtags: #Education #Bhopal #Jammu #Kashmir #GovernmentSchools #FreeBooks #Uniforms #Textbooks #Classes1To8 #PrivateSchools
