Freedom of Choice
In a significant move to protect parental rights and promote fair commerce, private educational institutions across Uttar Pradesh are now forbidden from compelling guardians to procure study materials
and writing supplies from specific, predetermined vendors. This directive is designed to dismantle restrictive trade practices and empower parents with the liberty to select their purchasing locations, thereby potentially mitigating the financial outlay associated with educational expenses. The authorities have stressed that schools should refrain from enforcing the purchase of particular brands or published works when viable alternatives exist in the market. Furthermore, guardians who encounter any breaches of this mandate are explicitly encouraged to lodge formal complaints with the district inspector of schools, ensuring accountability and adherence to the new guidelines. This policy shift signifies a commitment to fostering a more transparent and parent-centric approach to educational resource procurement.
Association's Commitment
The Unaided Private Schools Association (UPSA) has publicly affirmed its compliance with the new regulations, assuring that its member schools will no longer coerce parents into buying books and stationery from any single brand or specific store. This pledge was formalized during a recent UPSA meeting, where over 200 Lucknow-based private schools were represented. The association reiterated that its member institutions have been diligently adhering to the Unaided Private Schools Association Fee Regulation Act for the past seven years. This act dictates that fee increments are calculated based on a 5% addition to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Consequently, the maximum fee increase observed over the last six years has been 10%, with the current academic year, 2026–27, seeing a fixed increase of 7.5%. The UPSA president, Anil Agarwal, also highlighted the association's intention to minimize frequent book changes to alleviate parental difficulties. Efforts will be made in ICSE and CBSE affiliated schools to maintain existing book lists until the respective boards introduce syllabus revisions. Additionally, the association plans to petition the government to rationalize the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on paper products used for school materials, which currently stands at 18%, aiming to further reduce the overall cost burden on families.
