ZEE News has launched a nationwide campaign 'Back To School' focusing on the issue of alleged overpricing of school books by private institutions, drawing attention to the financial burden on parents during the back-to-school period.
The campaign highlights concerns around schools directing parents to purchase books from specific vendors, with instances of significant price differences between open market rates and school-linked sales channels. As part of the initiative, the network is examining pricing practices, potential school-publisher arrangements and possible violations of consumer rights. It has also invited parents to share purchase bills via WhatsApp to support a data-led investigation.
Commenting on the initiative, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, Zee News said, “At a time when public discourse is dominated by global conflicts and geopolitical developments, it is equally important to focus on issues that affect citizens at the grassroots level. Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of nation-building, and it must not be commercialised in a way that places undue financial pressure on families. Through this campaign, we aim to drive transparency, encourage accountability, and ensure that no parent is forced into unfair practices when it comes to their child’s education. This is not just about pricing - it is about protecting the integrity of the education system and advocating for the rights of millions of families across the country”
Following the campaign, authorities in multiple regions have taken note of the issue. In Delhi, the Directorate of Education has issued guidelines stating that schools cannot mandate purchases from specific vendors and must provide details of multiple nearby booksellers.
Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar has acknowledged the issue and indicated that action will be taken. Members of Parliament including Dinesh Sharma and Janardan Singh Sigriwal have also expressed support for stricter enforcement.
In Uttar Pradesh, the state government has indicated plans to conduct inspections and impose penalties where irregularities are found. Madhya Pradesh is considering organising book fairs to improve access to textbooks at standardised prices.
The campaign forms part of ZEE News’ broader editorial focus on consumer-related issues, with an emphasis on accessibility and transparency in essential services such as education.
