Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued norms making it clear that schools to be run as community service and not as a business.  Henceforth, schools have to refrain from commercialisation in the school in any manner.

This advisory has been issued in the wake of  grievances raised by the  parents and other  stakeholders pertaining to schools involved in commercial activities including selling books , uniforms and stationary in the school premises or through only certain vendors.

CBSE further stated that if any school does so in future, then it will be considered as violation of norms.

A recent PTI report regarding a CBSC communication to the school, it said, "The board has taken a serious view of the complaints and the schools are directed to desist from the unhealthy practice of coercing parents to buy text books, note books, stationary, uniforms, shoes, school bags etc from within the premise or from selected vendors only."

The report further added that "CBSE norms mandate that schools are run as community service and not as a business and that commercialisation does not take place in the school in any shape whatsoever. Educational institutions are not commercial establishments and their sole purpose is to provide quality education."

CBSE has also reminded in the notice to schools for adhering only to the books published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).