Himachal education board warns govt schools for forcing students to buy private publishers’ books

Government schools in Himachal Pradesh are under scrutiny for allegedly violating official academic policy by sidelining state board-prescribed textbooks and pressuring students to buy costly reference books from private publishers.

The issue has triggered backlash from education authorities, with the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) promising strict disciplinary measures against violators.

The violations are reportedly concentrated in Classes XI and XII, where schools are bypassing the HPBOSE-approved curriculum and pushing students, particularly in subjects involving practicals, to purchase private textbooks.

The move has raised concerns about both academic integrity and financial burden on families.

“This is a clear violation of government orders,” said an official from the education department. “It appears that some schools are prioritizing profit or convenience over policy.”

Parents and teachers say the practice not only undermines the board’s authority but also amounts to indirect promotion of specific publishers.

They argue that students are being forced into unnecessary expenses, calling the trend exploitative and unjustified.

HPBOSE Secretary Dr Vishal Sharma issued a strong warning, saying, “This kind of arbitrary behavior will not be tolerated. Any government school found using private textbooks in place of board-prescribed ones will face strict disciplinary action. The principals and subject teachers involved will be held accountable.”

The education department has taken note of the matter and is drafting detailed instructions to be sent to all government schools in the state to ensure compliance with board policies.

The controversy has sparked debate over possible collusion between school officials and private publishers, raising questions about the commercial influence in public education. Critics warn that such practices could further erode trust in the system.

Parents are demanding clarity and reform, asking who benefits from these unauthorized book recommendations, why government rules are being ignored, and whether this is a systemic failure or a deliberate push to profit from education.