Farooq Inqlabi Raises Concern Over Book Mafia in Private Schools, Seeks Immediate Government Intervention

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

RAJOURI APRIL 01:-Senior PDP Leader Mohd Farooq Inqlabi has expressed serious concern over the growing exploitation of parents by private schools in Jammu & Kashmir through what is commonly being termed as the “books mafia.”

He stated that many private schools are forcing parents to purchase expensive books, notebooks, and stationery from specific vendors or school-authorised outlets, thereby creating a monopoly and imposing an undue financial burden on families. Such practices are in clear violation of government norms and guidelines, which prohibit schools from compelling parents to buy study materials from particular sources.

Mohd Farooq Inqlabi emphasized that education should not be turned into a business for profit-making. He said that unnecessary book sets and frequent changes in editions are deliberately used to increase costs, leaving parents with no option but to comply.

He urged the concerned authorities, including the Education Department, to take strict and immediate action against such schools. He also called for proper monitoring mechanisms, transparency in book selection, and strict penalties for those found guilty of violating rules.
Mohd Farooq Inqlabi further added that such exploitation not only affects parents financially but also undermines the principle of equal and affordable education for all sections of society.
He appealed to the government to safeguard the interests of students and parents and ensure that education remains accessible, fair, and free from commercial exploitation.