Bhubaneswar: Emphasising strict adherence to the National Education Policy, Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said that private schools must ensure the sale and use of NCERT textbooks for students.

Focus on NCERT books under NEP

The minister said that as per the National Education Policy, students are expected to study NCERT books. He stressed that deviation from this norm undermines the policy’s intent to standardise quality education.

Also Read: Centre grants Stage-I approval for Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri

Concern over costly private publications

Raising concern over private schools promoting their own publications, Gond said it is not appropriate to impose expensive books on parents. “Charging hefty amounts from parents by introducing private publications is not justified,” he asserted.

The minister warned that strict action would be taken if parents lodge complaints. “If we receive complaints, we will verify the facts and take necessary action accordingly,” he said.

Also Read: Odisha to launch Census 2027 awareness drive in schools; Digital Self-Enumeration underway

Guidelines to be finalised

He further informed that the government will hold discussions with the School and Mass Education Department to decide on guidelines and the nature of action to regulate such practices.

Highlighting the need for oversight, the minister said there must be proper checks in place to prevent exploitation and ensure transparency in the education system.