On-campus sale of books and uniforms banned as parents allege school-shopkeeper collusion

LAHORE: Authorities have banned the on-campus sale of books and uniforms at private schools, a move aimed at curbing the practice of schools compelling parents to purchase educational materials and uniforms from specific vendors operating within school premises.

Despite the ban, parents have alleged that collusion between private schools and shopkeepers continues unabated, with institutions finding ways to direct parents towards preferred sellers for textbooks, uniforms, and other school supplies.

Parents voice concerns over continued exploitation

Parents have raised complaints that private schools are still engaged in arrangements with designated shopkeepers, effectively forcing families to buy books and uniforms from specific outlets. According to parents, the practice persists despite regulatory measures prohibiting such on-campus commercial activities, leaving families with little choice but to purchase from these vendors at inflated prices.

The ban on the sale of books and uniforms within school premises was introduced to provide relief to parents who have long complained about being compelled to buy educational materials from school-affiliated sellers. The directive was intended to break the nexus between private educational institutions and commercial vendors who operate on or near school campuses.

Regulatory efforts and enforcement challenges

The prohibition on on-campus sales represents part of broader efforts to regulate private schools and protect parents from exploitative commercial practices. However, the effectiveness of the ban has been called into question as parents continue to report that schools maintain their ties with specific vendors, directing families to purchase from them even if the transactions no longer take place on school grounds.

The allegations of continued collusion suggest that enforcement of the ban remains a significant challenge. Parents have urged authorities to take stricter action against schools that violate the directive and to ensure that families are free to purchase books and uniforms from any vendor of their choice without facing pressure from educational institutions.

The issue highlights the ongoing tension between private schools and parents in Pakistan, where the cost of education and associated expenses such as books, uniforms, and other supplies has been a persistent source of grievance for families. Regulatory bodies have periodically intervened to address such complaints, but parents maintain that compliance by private schools remains inconsistent.

The latest complaints from parents are expected to add pressure on authorities to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and hold violating institutions accountable for circumventing the ban on on-campus commercial activities.