Jamshedpur parents seek regulation of school fees, textbooks

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, June 12: Concerned over the recurring changes in textbooks and the continuous hike in fees by private schools, social activists and parents’ representatives have urged the state government to introduce a clear policy and effective regulatory mechanism to ease the growing financial burden on families.
During a public awareness programme held at Baridih square on Friday, participants highlighted the need for uniform subject-wise textbooks across all CBSE, ICSE and state board-affiliated schools. Kranti Singh and Ajitesh Ujjain stressed that schools following the same board should adopt standardized textbooks, eliminating the practice of prescribing different books in different institutions. They argued that such a move would reduce annual expenditure on new books and promote academic uniformity among students.
The activists also demanded an end to additional charges such as re-admission fees and building fund collections imposed by private schools. Bablu Jha said these expenses have significantly increased the overall cost of education, placing an added burden on middle-class and low-income families.
The group called upon the state government to issue clear guidelines regulating school fee structures and textbook selection processes, while establishing a robust monitoring system to ensure transparency and protect the interests of parents.
As part of the campaign, a street play and symbolic begging protest were organized at Baridih Gol Chakkar to draw public attention to the issue. The activists announced that the movement would continue until concrete measures are taken.
Among those present were Mukta Kanchan Singh, Kranti Singh, Ajitesh Ujjain, Bablu Jha, Vinod Swasti, Manoj Singh Ujjain, Rajesh Chandravanshi, Sanjay Singh, Gopal Lohar, Dheeran Ravidas, Sunil, Gajendra Singh, Manoj Gupta and several others.