Wed May 21 19:44:36 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary:**
The District Merchants Chamber in Kannur, India, is urging the Chief Minister and Education Minister to ban private schools from selling uniforms, books, and other school supplies on their premises. They claim this practice is causing significant financial losses to local traders who rely on the back-to-school season for revenue. The chamber argues the combined pressure of in-school sales and online shopping is pushing Kerala’s retail sector towards collapse, demanding immediate action and regular inspections.
**Here’s the news article:**
**Kannur Merchants Demand Ban on School Supply Sales, Citing Retail Crisis**
**KANNUR, INDIA – May 22, 2025** – The District Merchants Chamber in Kannur has issued a stark warning about the state of Kerala’s retail sector, urging swift government action to curb the sale of school supplies within private schools. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Education Minister V. Sivankutty, the Chamber alleges that private schools are undercutting local businesses by selling uniforms, books, bags, shoes, and socks directly to students on school premises.
According to Chamber General Secretary K. Sajid, this practice, combined with the rise of online shopping, is pushing the retail sector “to the brink,” with hundreds of shops reportedly closing each month. Many small traders, who rely on the back-to-school season for a significant portion of their annual income, are facing severe financial strain, having taken out loans to stock their shelves.
The District Merchants Chamber is demanding an immediate ban on the commercial sale of educational materials within school premises and calls for regular inspections of educational institutions to ensure compliance. They argue that this is a vital step in protecting local businesses and preventing further economic hardship within the community. The Chamber hopes the government will take immediate steps to ensure the livelihood of its members.
First Piper 