Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 14: Goa's bookstore owners have raised concerns over schools engaging in the sale of notebooks and other stationery items within their premises, which they claim is putting their businesses at risk. Many schools have started selling supplies directly to students, with some even making it mandatory for parents to buy from specific agencies engaged by the institutions.

The Goa Book Sellers Association has now petitioned the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), urging authorities to stop these commercial activities inside schools. According to the association, employees of certain schools are running these businesses and pressuring parents to purchase supplies exclusively from them, often at prices much higher than those in the open market.

Chandrakant Pandit, president of the Goa Book Sellers Association, in his petition, highlighted that some schools justify these sales by claiming they are raising funds for school infrastructure. This, despite a warning from the Chief Minister to schools receiving government aid, prohibiting them from charging infrastructure fees.

The petition further pointed out that many of these schools are not registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or the Income Tax Department, making their income and business practices unaccountable. Pandit emphasized that these activities are causing financial losses to local booksellers, particularly those who rely on school sales for their livelihood.

In addition to local business owners, there are reports of outsiders coming to Goa at the start of each academic year, offering discounted stationery to school principals. These outside vendors make their sales and leave, leaving local shop owners who pay rent and taxes to suffer.

The booksellers have made a heartfelt plea to the government to take action and address the issue, which has significantly impacted their business operations. They urge the authorities to implement strict measures against the schools involved in these practices.