The Republican Party of India (RPI) has raised concerns over the alleged practice of some private schools in Panvel Taluka compelling parents to purchase uniforms, notebooks and educational material only from specific shops or school-authorised stalls despite clear government guidelines prohibiting such practices.
RPI Panvel city president Nilesh Sonawane has submitted a written memorandum to the Chief Executive Officer of Raigad Zilla Parishad and the Group Education Officer of Panvel demanding strict action against schools allegedly violating the state government’s directives.
According to the memorandum, several private schools in the taluka are allegedly forcing parents — either directly or indirectly — to purchase expensive uniforms, notebooks and educational material from designated vendors or stalls operating within school premises.
The complaint further states that some schools have allegedly made certain notebooks and educational material compulsory despite such items not being mandatory under government norms. It has also been alleged that schools are compelling parents to purchase material at rates significantly higher than those available in the open market.
Sonawane claimed the situation was placing additional financial pressure on parents from economically weaker sections, including labourers, workers, autorickshaw drivers and low-income households.
The memorandum refers to a circular issued by the Directorate of Primary Education, Maharashtra State, Pune, dated April 14, 2026, which clearly states that private primary and secondary schools, irrespective of management or medium, cannot force students to purchase uniforms, textbooks or educational material from any specific shop or vendor.
The circular further states that schools affiliated to the State Board, CBSE and ICSE are required to use NCERT or SCERT (Balbharati) textbooks and should not compel students to purchase expensive books published by private publishers.
Speaking on the issue, Sonawane alleged that several schools in Panvel Taluka were openly disregarding these government directives.
“Despite the government order being extremely clear, many private schools in Panvel Taluka are openly violating the administration’s directives. Parents are being directly and indirectly pressured to purchase educational material either from specific shops or from stalls operating within school premises. This amounts to injustice towards parents and the education department must treat the matter seriously,” Sonawane stated.
Through the memorandum, Sonawane has demanded that the education department immediately issue strict instructions to all schools in the taluka to ensure proper implementation of the government directive.
He has also sought an inquiry into schools allegedly violating the rules and demanded appropriate administrative and legal action against institutions found engaging in such practices.
Sonawane further warned that if the education department fails to take prompt action in the interest of parents, the party would launch an agitation over the issue.
Get in touch to report an issue
Sonawane has also appealed to parents in the Panvel Taluka facing similar issues with schools in the region, to report their complaints by contacting him on 9930234363.
