Srinagar, Nov 12: Taking serious note of public outrage over the sale of overpriced textbooks prescribed by private schools, the J&K Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, on Tuesday directed all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to conduct routine inspections and take strict action against schools and bookshops found selling textbooks at exorbitant rates.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the School Education Department (SED) in Srinagar, the minister termed the unregulated sale of private publishers’ books “unacceptable” and directed the officers to ensure transparency in textbook sales and adherence to prescribed curriculum guidelines.
“Routine checks must be carried out at schools and bookshops, and immediate action should be taken against anyone involved in selling textbooks on inflated prices,” Itoo said, instructing the CEOs and Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) to issue a detailed order specifying the curriculum and textbooks to be followed by all institutions.
The meeting was attended by DSEK Naseer Ahmad Wani, Joint Directors, all district CEOs, and other senior officials of the department.l
During the session, the minister reviewed key operational areas including academic performance, infrastructure development, teacher deployment, and timely distribution of textbooks and learning materials.
“Timely availability of books and supplies is crucial to maintaining the academic calendar and ensuring that no student is left behind,” the minister emphasized, while calling for improved coordination between divisional and district offices to ensure transparent and efficient book distribution.
She also directed CEOs to monitor coaching centres across Kashmir and initiate action against unregistered ones operating without approval.
Highlighting the importance of accountability and teacher performance, Sakina Itoo called for regular capacity-building and training programs to enhance teaching quality and ensure effective classroom engagement.
“The government is fully committed to improving the quality of education and ensuring a fair, transparent, and student-friendly learning environment across Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
The DSEK and other officers briefed the minister on ongoing academic progress, infrastructure status, and measures being taken to streamline textbook availability across the region. (JKNS)