Book list row: Baldwin principals blamed for unapproved price hike

Bengaluru: The Baldwin Group of Institutions has informed parents and booksellers to purchase and sell only the new book list recommended as per the official note released by the management.

This development comes a few days after the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) issued a notice following complaints from several parents whose wards are enrolled at three schools: Baldwin Boys' High School, Hosur Road; Baldwin Girls' High School, Richmond Road; and Baldwin Co-Education Extension High School, Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

In response, Bishop NL Karkare, Chairman of the Baldwin Methodist Educational Society, issued a press statement on Wednesday.

"I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the recent display of a high-priced book list on the school website and notice board in all three schools, which has been unjustly attributed to me without prior consultation or approval from the management. This was done solely by the principals and a former manager of Baldwin Boys' High School,” the statement read.

Karkare also blamed the principals of the schools for failing to submit their clarifications on the matter. "I am deeply concerned about the financial impact this may have on parents, as well as the implications it has on my professional integrity and the reputation of the institution,” he wrote.

In the statement, he further added, “I respect the feedback and complaints from parents regarding the high prices and the monopoly of the book list by the respective publication and acknowledge the justification for the Child Rights Commission’s notice.”

Karkare clarified that he has instructed the principals of the respective schools to share the revised book list with parents.