The NPABSON directive, a copy of which Republica has obtained, asks private schools to use textbooks published by United, Athrai, Asia, Ekta, Bidyarthi and Red Force. The directive issued in the name of Banke President of NPABSON Madhav Giri says that United and Athrai have already paid Rs 50,000 each to the district branch for facilitating use of their textbooks.[break]
Likewise, Asia and Bidyarthi have pledged to pay 5 percent commission on books sold while Atal has reportedly reached an agreement at the central level over use of its books.
Guardians are peeved with the association, supposedly formed for the betterment of the educational sector, for seeking commissions. The books become even more expensive as publishers compensate for commissions paid to NPABSON by overcharging customers, the guardians said. There are some 100 NPABSON-affiliated schools in the district.
“We have not been able to buy books from other publishers despite their being cheaper and better,” fumed Karna Bahadur Oli, a local of Jamuni. “They have not shown any concern about the problems of students and guardians,” he added.
The District Education Office said no one can issue directives to use books from a particular publisher out of personal interest and vowed to take action if anyone is found issuing such directives. Meanwhile NPABSON President Giril argued that the directive to use books from specific publishers has been issued to bring about uniformity in teaching.
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