- Congress demands FIRs, Judicial Probe
Bhopal: Allegations of profiteering and exploitation by private schools in Bhopal have reached the district administration, with Congress spokesperson Vivek Tripathi submitting documented evidence during a public grievance hearing at the Collectorate. The complaint primarily targets Narayana School and several other institutions accused of pressuring parents to purchase uniforms, books, and stationery at inflated prices from select, unregistered vendors.
Tripathi alleged that these schools are running a commission-based nexus with unauthorized shops that neither issue GST bills nor operate under valid registration.
“This is not just financial exploitation but a systematic tax evasion racket. Education is being reduced to a mafia-run business,” he stated.
Call for judicial inquiry and FIRs
Tripathi demanded immediate action, citing precedents from Jabalpur, where similar malpractices led to FIRs and legal consequences. He urged the Bhopal administration to replicate those steps and hold school management and affiliated vendors accountable.
“This violates not only the right to affordable education but also the constitutional right to education itself,” said Tripathi, calling it a direct assault on parents’ finances.
Swift administrative response
Taking serious note of the allegations, ADM Nidhi Chouksey reprimanded the District Education Officer on the spot and ordered an immediate investigation based on the submitted evidence. The inquiry has been jointly assigned to SDM Archana Sharma and District Education Officer Narendra Ahirwar.
This marks the first time the Bhopal administration has openly taken on private education cartels, raising hopes for concrete action.
Congress issues stern warning
Tripathi warned that if justice is delayed, the Congress will launch statewide protests, from the streets to the assembly.
Key demands:
1- Investigation into illegal commission practices by private schools.
2- FIRs against school management and colluding vendors.
3- Tax department inquiry into suspected evasion and consumer rights violations.
4- Mandatory formation of Parent Associations in all private schools, with binding authority.
