TRSMA seeks clarity on book counters in private schools

The TRSMA has urged the Telangana School Education Department to clarify that book counters in unaided private schools operating on a ‘no profit, no loss’ basis are permitted under existing government orders and court directions, seeking protection from enforcement action.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Recognised School Managements Association (TRSMA) urged the School Education Department to issue necessary directions, clarifying that operation of book counters by unaided private schools on a “no profit, no loss” basis is permissible under the existing government orders and judicial directions.

In a representation to School Education director Dr E Naveen Nicolas, TRSMA president Sadula Madhusudhan and general secretary N Ramesh Rao said some field-level officials directed schools to discontinue their book counters based on the complaints lodged by certain students and community organisations.

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The TRSMA pointed out that GO Ms 91 issued in 2009 permits the private unaided schools to set up book sale counters in school premises on a “no profit, no loss” basis, ensuring timely, convenient, and affordable access to prescribed learning materials for students and parents.

Further, the TRSMA said Telangana High Court had directed the Education Department not to seize books or seal book counters in private schools.

“In view of the above, we request you to issue clear instructions to all DEOs, MEOs and other officials concerned, clarifying that the operation of book counters by unaided private schools on a “no profit, no loss” basis is permissible under the existing government orders and judicial directions,” they said.

The association requested the department to advise its officials to refrain from initiating any coercive measures such as seizure of books or sealing of counters.