Pune: Secondary Education Officer Ganpat More has directed schools to not sell uniforms, books and other material to their students. More issued these orders after he received complaints about some schools forcing parents to buy books, uniforms and other material besides asking for school fees.
Due to income loss during the lockdown period, many parents are not in a good financial situation. Some schools have started calling parents and asking them to pay for books, uniforms and pending fees. The school authorities have also warned parents that their child's admission will be confirmed only after they pay the first instalment of the fees.
Even though schools are to remain closed, some school authorities are asking parents to come down to the school premises and collect the books and uniforms after making the payment. They have also been asked to bring students along to take their measurements for the uniform.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's state member Shailesh Vitkar lodged a complaint with the education department against these schools.
Vitkar said, "We don't know when the schools will reopen, but still parents have to spend on uniforms and books. Schools should stop harassing students and parents. Some schools are also asking parents to visit the school and increasing the risk of coronavirus spread. The education department should not neglect these things."
Acting on Vitkar's complaint, Secondary Education Officer More issued orders. It states, "We have received complaints about some unaided schools in the city that they have started selling books and are not following social distancing norms. Schools can't sell books, uniforms and other material at this time. The school authorities must make sure that nobody will suffer from the coronavirus outbreak."
