AHMEDABAD: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday had directed schools affiliated to it across the country to shut down in-house shops selling textbooks, stationery, school bags, uniforms, and shoes. Following the CBSE example, the state education department on Friday issued a directive prohibiting the sale of these items in self-financed schools affiliated to the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB).Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, the state education minister, on Friday issued a notification to district education officials to ensure strict implementation of the board's directive. Several English-medium schools across Gujarat have been insisting that parents buy uniforms, books, stationery and other articles either from the school or from associated dealers. The practice is widespread across the state, as schools get a commission of 20%-25%. The notification also directs schools to curb other business-related activities.The new academic year begins in June and if any school is found to be running in-house shops, strict action will be initiated against them. If parents complain to the DEO, the government will penalize errant schools, said the state education minister.In the past, several complaints were registered against a number of schools across the state — and the complaints were sent even to the education ministry. However, no action has ever been taken against schools on this count. The state education department had issued a regulation in 2011 to prevent such business activities. However, its implementation failed. While the government tends to issue such notifications at the beginning of an academic year, it is seldom followed by schools.Box: Parents cancel protest outside assemblyAhmedabad: Parents' Association of Ahmedabad was to hold a protest outside the state legislative assembly on Saturday, seeking immediate implementation of fee regulation. However, due to serious differences of opinion between two factions of the association, the protest has been called off. At present, there is also a great deal of political pressure, said sources. On Saturday, the association will meet around 9pm at Vastrapur to make new plans.

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