HP Education Board Cracks Down on School Shops
In a strong move to curb the growing commercialisation of education, the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education has issued a clear warning to private schools: stop selling uniforms, shoes, ties, and other items on campus—or risk losing your affiliation.
The decision comes after a wave of complaints from parents and education activists, who say schools are pressuring families to buy expensive items directly from the school or designated vendors. These practices, they argue, are turning education into a business and placing an unfair financial burden on parents.
Dr. Major Vishal Sharma, Secretary of the Board, stated, “Schools are meant to be centres of learning, not marketplaces. Running commercial shops within school premises is strictly against our guidelines and the Himachal Pradesh Education Board Act.”
To enforce this, the Board will begin inspecting private schools across the state. Any school found selling uniforms, shoes, stationery, or other items on campus could face immediate cancellation of its recognition. The responsibility, officials say, will fall squarely on the school’s management and principal.
The Board has also reminded schools that they must stick to the textbooks and practical books prescribed by the Board—no exceptions.
This move is being welcomed by many parents who have long voiced concerns about the rising costs of education. It’s a step toward ensuring that schools focus on what truly matters: quality education, not profit-making.
