Battling the Education Cartel: A Stand for Affordable Schoolbooks

National Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanoongo is challenging an alleged 'education mafia' opposing affordable schoolbooks. Kanoongo urges state governments to adopt cost-effective NCERT and SCERT books. This campaign aims to alleviate financial pressure on families imposed by private publishers' expensive alternatives.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo has alleged that an 'education mafia' is working against a directive to reduce the cost of schoolbooks. On Tuesday, he declared the fight for affordable educational materials for poor and middle-class families would endure.

Kanoongo posted on platform X, urging state governments to implement the use of NCERT and SCERT textbooks rather than high-priced options from private publishers. His actions are supported by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and align with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

Reports indicate the NHRC previously issued notices to educational authorities regarding the pressure exerted on families by private publishing practices. The Namo Foundation's complaint suggests these costly materials create undue financial burdens, sparking NHRC involvement.