The Unaided Private Schools Association (UPSA) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has announced that private schools will no longer force parents to purchase books and stationery from specific brands or stores. This decision was made during a meeting attended by representatives from over 200 private schools. UPSA president Anil Agarwal noted that the association is committed to complying with the Unaided Private Schools Association Fee Regulation Act, which has governed fee increases for the past seven years. Under this regulation, fee hikes have been capped at 5% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a maximum increase of 10% over the last six years. For the current academic year 2026-27, the total increase has been set at 7.5%. Additionally, schools will strive to maintain consistent book lists to alleviate the financial burden on parents, particularly in ICSE and CBSE schools. UPSA senior vice-president Jawaid Alam Khan indicated that the association will also advocate for a reduction in the 18% GST on paper used for school-related items to further lessen costs for families.