Education Minister Announces Textbook Availability by January End, Warns Private Schools Against Exploitation

SRINAGAR: Education Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo has assured that textbooks for the current academic session will be available by the end of January, addressing concerns arising from the recently implemented academic calendar changes.

Speaking during a media interaction on Tuesday at SKICC Srinagar, the minister acknowledged that the shift in the academic session had impacted the timely availability of textbooks. “Textbooks will be available by the end of January,” she stated, adding that committees at district and zonal levels have been formed to monitor private institutions allegedly exploiting students by pressuring them to purchase specific books.

Reacting to allegations raised during the media interaction, where a reporter claimed that private schools in North Kashmir were pressuring parents to purchase books, the minister urged the public to report such schools. “I appeal to the public to identify the schools involved so that we can take the necessary action,” she said.

This intervention comes in response to growing concerns about the burden on students and parents due to the practices of some private institutions. The government’s measures aim to ensure transparency and alleviate the stress faced by stakeholders in the education sector.