Hyderabad, April 2026: A fresh dispute has emerged in Hyderabad over the sale of textbooks and notebooks in private schools, with school managements denying any profiteering while parents allege overpricing and indirect compulsion.
Schools Claim ‘No-Profit, No-Loss’ Model
Private school managements, represented by the Telangana Recognised School Management Association (TRSMA), have urged the education department to allow on-campus book stalls to function without disruption.
They argue that:
- Schools are permitted to run book counters on a “no-profit, no-loss” basis
- The practice follows government orders and High Court guidelines
- Book stalls are meant for parent convenience, not compulsion
Managements also expressed concern that complaints often lead to officials sealing book counters, causing repeated administrative hurdles.
Parents Allege Overcharging and Pressure
Parents, however, have strongly contested these claims, stating that:
- Books and materials are often sold at significantly higher prices than the market
- There is informal pressure to purchase from school-run stalls
- Costs for notebooks and study material can be nearly double compared to outside vendors
Many parents say that while schools claim purchases are optional, ground realities make it difficult to buy elsewhere.
Regulatory Position and Enforcement
Officials from the education department clarified that:
- Action is taken only when schools violate norms
- Schools are allowed to facilitate book sales within prescribed rules
- Complaints are investigated before enforcement action
The issue highlights a grey area in regulation, where schools can recommend materials but cannot force purchases.
Wider Concerns Over Education Costs
The controversy reflects a broader concern across India, where parents have increasingly raised issues about:
- Rising cost of textbooks and study materials
- Lack of transparency in school-related expenses
- Limited choice of vendors
Reports suggest private school book bundles can cost 3,000–10,000, significantly higher than standard alternatives
Ongoing Tussle Between Stakeholders
The disagreement between school managements and parents continues, with both sides demanding:
- Transparency in pricing
- Clear enforcement of rules
- Fair practices in sale of educational materials
