In what appears to be a major relief for students and parents, the Sindh government has imposed a complete ban on the sale of textbooks, uniforms, and stationery within private schools across the province.
According to a notification issued by the Education and Literacy Department, private school administrations will no longer be allowed to sell books, copies, uniforms, or any related items on school premises.
The notification clearly states that schools cannot force parents to purchase items from any specific shop or vendor. Instead, all private institutions have been directed to provide a complete list of required textbooks and stationery at the beginning of the academic year, enabling parents to buy these items from the open market at their convenience.
The Sindh education department has also declared it illegal to force parents to purchase notebooks bearing the school’s monogram or logo, a step aims to reduce the financial burden on families and promote transparency in educational expenses.
The Directorate of Private Institutions has warned that strict legal action will be taken against schools found violating these orders. Penalties may include heavy fines and even cancellation of school registration.
Meanwhile, parents and members of civil society have widely welcomed the decision, calling it a much-needed step to curb the arbitrary practices of private schools, urging the government to establish monitoring teams to ensure strict implementation of the new directives.
