Delhi government initiates action against private schools forcing parents to buy expensive books, uniforms

Addressing the issue on Wednesday, Education Minister Atishi said, “Guidelines issued by the education department give freedom to parents to buy books and uniforms from the vendors of their choice. If any school forces parents to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors, then it is a violation of the rules. This will not be tolerated by the [Arvind] Kejriwal government and strict action will be taken against schools found guilty of violating these rules.”

Atishi added that notices have been sent to the concerned schools asking them to explain the reasons for the complaints received from parents. “Additionally, an investigation is also being carried out by the Directorate of Education. If any violations of guidelines are found, action will be taken against these schools under the relevant provisions of the Delhi School Education Act, 1973. I am personally keeping an eye on the complaints received from parents and have instructed the education department to promptly address every such grievance,” she said.

She further added that the education department guidelines state that private schools must display a class-wise list of books and other study materials on their website before the beginning of the new academic session. Additionally, schools must also display at least five nearby shops’ addresses and phone numbers on their website where parents can purchase books and school uniforms.

Parents have the freedom to buy these items from any store at their convenience, and the school cannot compel them to purchase from a particular vendor. The guidelines also state that private schools cannot change the colour, design, or other specifications of school uniforms for at least three years.