CCP takes action against private schools selling overpriced uniforms, books

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has initiated suo moto action against private schools, following complaints about the conditional sale of notebooks, workbooks, and uniforms bearing school logos.

The commission has issued show-cause notices to 17 major private school systems nationwide.

According to an inquiry report, many private schools have entered into secret agreements with specific vendors, forcing students and parents to buy overpriced products. Copies and notebooks with school logos were found to be up to 280 per cent more expensive than the standard market price.

Students and parents are effectively “trapped consumers” after admission, with limited options to purchase from cheaper alternatives, the report said.

The report also highlighted that the compulsory purchase of such products is often imposed under the guise of school guidelines. With 50 per cent of the country’s students enrolled in private schools, millions of students and parents are affected by these policies. Additionally, thousands of small businesses selling stationery and uniforms have suffered due to the schools’ exclusive arrangements with vendors.

Parents are reportedly left with little choice, as changing schools involves significant costs and travel difficulties. The inquiry found that school managements are misusing their market power, making students and parents accept all school-imposed decisions.

The CCP has directed the schools to submit written responses within 14 days. If found guilty of violating the Competition Act, private schools could face fines of up to Rs 75 million.

Javed Somroo