Chandigarh: Members of the Chandigarh Parents’ Association wrote to the director, school education, Chandigarh, seeking early issuance of directions to private schools for uploading class-wise lists of prescribed textbooks for the 2026-27 academic session.
In a representation dated Feb 14, the association requested that schools be directed to publish final book lists, along with publisher and author details, on their official websites and display them on notice boards by Feb 20. It also sought strict compliance with CBSE bye-laws related to non-commercialisation of education.
The association stated that while similar instructions are issued annually, they are often circulated in March or April, by which time admissions are underway and booksellers have already entered into tie-ups with schools. It was alleged that delayed publication of book lists limits availability in the open market and leads to overcrowding at select shops.
According to the association, early disclosure would give independent booksellers sufficient time to arrange stocks, potentially increasing availability across the city and reducing congestion in individual outlets.
It also flagged concerns over parents having to queue up for long hours during peak admission period to purchase textbooks and related materials.
The representation urged the administration to issue a timely circular this month to ensure transparency and ease for parents at the start of the new academic session.
