Biscoe-Mallinson School Says Parents Free to Buy Books, Uniforms Anywhere Amid Concerns Over Vendor Restrictions in Kashmir
Srinagar, , KNT: Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson Girls School has informed parents that they are free to purchase books, stationery, notebooks and school uniforms for the 2026–27 academic session from any shop of their choice, clarifying that the institution is not affiliated with any particular vendor.
In a notice displayed on its website, the school said parents were under no obligation to purchase educational materials from any specific shop or supplier and could choose any outlet according to their preference.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns among parents over the alleged practice of several private schools compelling families to purchase prescribed books, stationery and uniforms from selected shops, leaving them with limited choices and raising questions about pricing and transparency.
Parents have repeatedly raised concerns that being directed to particular vendors restricts competition and places an additional financial burden on families, particularly those with multiple school-going children.
The Biscoe-Mallinson notice has once again brought the issue of parents’ freedom to choose vendors into focus. While the school has expressly stated that it has no association with any particular shop, questions remain over whether other educational institutions are following the same approach.
Earlier in October, the then Education Minister Sakina Itoo had warned private schools against forcing parents to purchase books, uniforms and other educational materials from particular vendors. She had said a committee would examine complaints and that action would be taken against institutions found violating the rules.
Several parents who talked to the news agency Kashmir News Trust alleged that there are other school who still force parents to purchase stationery and uniforms from selected vendors of their choice. [KNT]
