Punjab’s Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat has warned that private educational institutions cannot compel parents to purchase textbooks, uniforms, or other school-related items from any particular shop or vendor, saying strict legal action will be taken against violators.
The warning comes in line with an official public notice issued by the Government of Punjab’s School Education Department, dated January 22, 2026.
The notice cites Section 7A(10) of the Punjab Private Educational Institutions (Promotion & Regulation) Ordinance, 1984, which bars private schools from forcing parents or guardians to buy school items from a designated outlet or service provider.
According to the notice, any private school found pressuring or directing parents to purchase books, uniforms, or related materials from specific sellers will be considered to be committing a serious legal violation and may face penalties and other action under the law and relevant rules.
The education minister urged parents to report such practices so enforcement can be ensured. He said complaints can be submitted through the Punjab government’s Citizen Relationship Management (CRM) portal, and citizens are encouraged to formally lodge reports against unlawful demands by schools.
In the notice, the department also directs parents and the public to report violations to the relevant District Registration Authority (DRA) in the office of the Chief Executive Officer of the District Education Authority, or file complaints online via the CRM portal.
