NHRC directs states to probe use of private publishers in place of NCERT texts

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission on Thursday issued notices to all states and Union Territories over allegations that private schools are prescribing books from private publishers in violation of norms under the Right to Education Act. The Commission asked authorities to review compliance and submit detailed reports within a specified timeframe.

Acting on a complaint filed on April 9, 2026, the NHRC noted that several private schools, including those affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education, were allegedly bypassing textbooks recommended by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and respective State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs).

The complaint contended that such practices violate provisions of the law that assign curriculum and textbook decisions to designated academic authorities, The New Indian Express reported.

The Commission observed that replacing NCERT books with privately published material could impose a financial strain on families, as such books are often significantly more expensive, thereby undermining the goal of equitable education.

It also noted that the trend runs counter to the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises affordability and inclusivity.

Another issue highlighted was the increased academic burden on students due to the use of multiple textbooks and workbooks. The NHRC pointed out that this could violate the National School Bag Policy 2020, which aims to limit school bag weight and discourage unnecessary materials, warning that noncompliance may pose health risks to children.

Invoking its powers under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Commission directed Chief Secretaries and Union Territory administrators to provide details on steps taken to ensure compliance. These include whether district authorities have been instructed to monitor schools, data on student enrolment, and the volume of textbooks procured for the 2025–26 academic year.

States were also asked to clarify whether audits or inspections of school booklists had been carried out. In cases where no such assessments were conducted, the NHRC directed that school-wise audits be completed within 30 days, along with appropriate measures to implement the school bag policy.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education has been asked to clarify the role of academic authorities in deciding curricula and whether examination boards have the authority to prescribe textbooks at the elementary level.

All concerned authorities have been instructed to submit an action taken report, supported by relevant documents, within 30 days.