Schools changing uniforms frequently? Delhi govt to now set a cap

“Several schools, especially private, private unaided and aided schools, frequently change students’ school uniforms and force parents to buy new ones, that too from selected vendors… Such changes also impact the financial situation of several families. The frequent changes and extra expenditure are one of the key reasons for parents pulling their children, studying under the EWS category (from these schools),” said officials.

“So, the government has decided to put a cap of three years. The period may also increase to 4 or 5 years…This will be finalised by tomorrow,” said the official.

Besides, the government is also likely to direct schools to not “pressure” parents or “insist” that they purchase books and school uniforms from the school or a particular shop or vendor.
“We issue instructions to schools but, sometimes, many do not adhere to the government’s order… parents also end up following their (school’s) order because they are clueless about where to take their grievances. Thus, to ensure strict compliance with the government’s order, the Education Department is planning to set up a dedicated complaint system, with an email ID and helpline, so parents can file complaints,” said officials.

Officials said the government will take strict action against schools if they don’t follow orders and it will be considered a “criminal offence”.

“The charges under which it will be considered a criminal offence and other things are still being discussed and will be finalised by tomorrow…,” they said.

In the meantime, officials said schools can share a list of more than five vendors who sell books and uniforms on the school website, along with contact details and addresses. “Parents can then purchase from any shop as per their choice and convenience,” said an official.

Further, the Delhi government is soon going to take action against schools that make students study two syllabi — NCERT books and private books sold by the school through a contractor or vendor.

Delhi has a total of 5,619 recognised schools, of which 1,250 are government and government-aided.