Surat: Mary Matha Bethany Public School in the Pandesara area has come under scrutiny following allegations that it illegally sold textbooks on its premises and compelled parents to purchase expensive book sets, prompting district education authorities to order an investigation.

The controversy erupted after videos showing a book stall operating inside the school campus went viral on social media, triggering outrage among parents and education stakeholders. Taking cognisance of the matter, Surat District Education Officer (DEO) Bhagirath Singh Parmar ordered an immediate inquiry into the allegations.

According to parents, the school had set up a large textbook stall within its premises, allegedly in violation of education department rules that prohibit private schools from commercially selling books, uniforms, or other educational materials on campus. The stall was reportedly operated by an external vendor invited by the school.

Parents have alleged that they were indirectly pressured to purchase books exclusively from the stall inside the school and discouraged from sourcing the same materials from outside vendors at lower prices.

The primary concern revolves around the high prices being charged for textbooks. Parents claim that a Class 6 book set was priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 5,500, while books for Class 9 were being sold for around Rs 1,800 to Rs 1,890. Many parents reportedly queued for hours to purchase the books, fearing their children might face difficulties if they did not comply.

One parent alleged that hundreds of parents had gathered at the school since morning to purchase books. He claimed that the combined burden of school fees and book expenses was becoming increasingly difficult for middle-class families to bear.

“There are around 55 students in each class, and with multiple sections, the number exceeds 165 students. Yet no explanation is given for the high cost of books,” he said. He further alleged that many parents were reluctant to speak publicly due to concerns about their children’s future at the school.

Parents have also alleged that the school administration was exerting pressure on them to make payments for books and fees before completing other academic formalities. Some claimed that parents were being asked to pay for the upcoming academic year even before the results of the previous academic year had been declared.

The issue gained widespread attention after videos of the alleged book sales and crowding inside the school circulated on social media. The footage sparked public criticism and intensified calls for stricter regulation of private schools.

Responding to the controversy, DEO Bhagirath Singh Parmar said that the commercial sale of books within school premises is not permitted under existing regulations. He confirmed that a special team from the education department would investigate the allegations.

“If the inquiry establishes that the school violated regulations or pressured parents into purchasing books, strict action will be taken as per the rules,” Parmar said. He added that disciplinary measures could range from penalties to action against the school’s recognition, depending on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has reignited concerns over the commercialisation of education and the increasing financial burden on parents, with demands growing for stricter enforcement of regulations governing private schools. DeshGujarat