Punjab’s School Education Department has banned private schools from forcing parents to buy books, uniforms, or stationery from specific shops. The department called the practice illegal and exploitative. Schools may only provide a list of required items and cannot mandate vendors.
The move follows repeated complaints from parents in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. Families said some schools charged higher prices and earned commissions from designated vendors. Parents reported children facing warnings, penalties, or exclusion for using outside shops.
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Officials said the ban aligns with Punjab’s Private Educational Institutions framework and earlier scrutiny by the Competition Commission. Parents are urged to report violations to District Education Authorities. Authorities promised strict inquiries and enforcement against schools that disobey the order.
Education experts said the ban could relieve middle- and lower-income families burdened by rising education costs. Teachers’ unions welcomed the decision but stressed the need for strong enforcement. Analysts noted that prior directives were weakly enforced, making vigilance crucial this time.
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The order is part of broader regulation by the Punjab government on private schools. Measures include limits on fee hikes, restrictions on advance fee collection, and oversight of additional charges. Effective enforcement could set a precedent for curbing other unfair practices in the private education sector.