SRINAGAR, Oct. 15 -- Education Minister Itoo on Wednesday said private schools must allow parents to purchase textbooks and uniforms from vendors of their choice, making it clear that no school should compel them to buy educational material from a particular bookseller or publisher.

Chairing a meeting with representatives of private schools, parents' associations, civil society groups and non-governmental organisations, Itoo also called for greater coordination between government and private institutions, directing officials to address concerns over textbook pricing, school recognition, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other administrative issues.

The meeting comes ahead of the proposed commencement of the new academic session in No...