Ask pvt schools to stop forcing parents to buy uniforms at ‘exorbitant’ price: BJP spokesperson to Delhi govt

When contacted, Sood’s office refused to comment on the letter.

Kapoor has now pointed out that while private school lobbies are very strong, parents form a significant socio-political block as well. “The simplification of school dresses, shoes and bags will be highly appreciated by parents of all categories,” he wrote, also highlighting how any government which takes such a step stands to gain politically too.

In the letter, Kapoor made two demands. He urged the government to stop school managements from making parents buy multiple and various sets of uniforms, shoes and bags effective from April 1, 2028 — thereby giving schools time to clear their existing stock and parents time to purchase “simplified” uniforms. He has also requested a ban on the sale of school dresses, shoes, books, stationery and bags by school management to newly enrolled students — to be effective from the school session beginning April 1, 2027.

Claiming that he has received complaints from middle-class parents across private schools, the BJP leader also stated that “in addition to normal summer & winter school dresses, the school management forces the parents to buy special sports dresses apart from activity dresses along with at least 3 types of shoes”.

“Most private schools have designed their own dress materials, and such dresses are available only in School’s Dress Shops only,” the BJP leader wrote, adding that the dresses and shoes are sold at “exorbitant” prices, adding to the financial strain on families.

The Delhi government, earlier in April this year, had flagged the issue of growing financial burden on parents. The CM had directed that every private school must make a clear written disclosure on its notice boards, website, and at its in-house store that parents are free to purchase uniforms, books and stationery from any vendor of their choice. Gupta had said that no parent can be compelled to purchase items from the school or from any single designated vendor. Schools may, for convenience, suggest a list of five to six vendors, but no purchase can be made mandatory, she had said.

Kapoor has now said that the financial impact is particularly severe for parents with multiple children. “I hope you can imagine the plight of middle-class parents with 2 or more children studying in private schools, more so because school students are of growing age and normally they grow all or forcing parents to buy new dresses twice a year at times,” he said.

The situation is further aggravated by the differentiation between schools, he said, adding that different dresses in different schools cause “heartburn too amongst school children as some school dresses are designed by fashion designers & are very costly”.

Citing provisions within the Delhi Education Act, Kapoor added that the Delhi government can intervene and ensure there are less variety and sets of uniforms and regular sports shoes in such schools and ensure these remain affordable for parents.