Mysuru schools force parents to buy textbooks for virtual learning

Mysuru: Even as uncertainty persists about reopening of schools in the state in the wake of Covid crisis, several schools in the city have asked parents to buy textbooks and notebooks for Class 8 students for virtual learning.
The city has nearly 88 schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and some of the private unaided schools reportedly sent messages to parents on WhatsApp asking them to buy textbooks and other stationeries from them.
Bhagyalakshmi, one of the parents whose child had been studying in a CBSE school told TOI that she had received a message from school authorities on Sunday. “I am confused after receiving this message as it’s about my kid’s future — whether to buy the textbooks for my child or not. More so as the the uncertainty over reopening schools is not yet cleared by the government,” she said.
However, the school authorities claimed they were not forcing parents to buy textbooks. “The decision is left to the parents. A majority of them approached us for books. As per the directive from the government, we have not been collecting fees either,” said school authorities.
Deputy director of public instruction Dr Panduranga told TOI that the department has so far not received any official complaint from parents regarding the issue. “We will monitor such activities and schools that are flouting norms will face strict action. Parents may not be coming out in public or lodging compliant to the department as they their children will be harassed by the school authorities.