SED issues directives to private schools in Poonch on uniforms, books

Rajouri, Nov 25: School Education Department in Poonch has issued a fresh set of instructions to all private schools in the district prohibiting them from directing or compelling parents to purchase uniforms or textbooks from any particular vendor or shop.

The order, issued in this regard from office of Chief Education Officer, aims to curb growing financial burden on parents and ensure transparency in school practices.

According to the directive, no private school in district Poonch will be allowed to change its school uniform for at least five years.

“Any revision, if deemed unavoidable, must receive prior approval from the competent authority and be supported by written consent from parents as well as recommendations from the School Management Committee (SMC),” the order read.

The department has also strictly prohibited schools from directing or compelling parents to purchase uniforms or textbooks from any particular vendor or shop, a practice that has drawn repeated complaints from parents.

Reiterating academic standards, the order mandates that only NCERT books as prescribed by JKBOSE should be used in private schools across the district.

In addition, Zonal Education Officers and Cluster Heads have been instructed to obtain certificates from private schools confirming that mandatory Red Cross funds have been deposited.

This verification will be required before the authentication of school results, the department has instructed.

The department has also warned that any deviation from the instructions will invite strict action as per rules.