Private schools compelling parents to purchase books and uniforms from particular shops will face action, the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) said in an order asking the schools to display a list of at least five vendors on their websites and notice boards. The government said that the move will protect parents from unnecessary financial burdens and ensure transparency in the system.
The DoE has directed schools to implement its directives failing which strict action will be taken against them. The move comes after the DoE received several complaints against some private schools for compelling parents to purchase books, uniforms and study materials from particular vendors. “Schools must display information about books, uniforms, and their availability at multiple vendors on both their official websites and notice boards,” the department said.
It has often been observed that various private unaided recognised schools were compelling students to purchase education materials, such as books, guides, ties, belts, notebooks, uniforms and bags from specific private vendors.
Parents demand that their children students should have the freedom to choose their educational supplies.
The DoE also instructed the schools not to change the colour, design or any other specification in uniforms for at least three years once prescribed. The department has urged parents to report any violations to the nodal officer, assuring strict action against defaulting schools.
“If any violations are reported, appropriate action under BNS and BNSS will be taken against such malpractices,” it stated.
The DoE clarified that students should be free to purchase study materials from vendors of their choice at fair market prices. The directive aims to prevent commercial exploitation and promote fair competition, it said, adding that schools must also allow students to use books and study materials aligned with the official curriculum and examination guidelines. Private schools have also been instructed to display the names, addresses, and contact details of vendors located near the school where all necessary study materials are available.
Education Minister Ashish Sood said that private schools must transparently display the list of prescribed books, educational materials and other required items in the school premises. This information must be displayed prominently on school notice boards and the official websites. Any private school found concealing this information or misleading students and parents will face legal consequences.
He also said that all schools must ensure that they display this list in a public place within the school campus. Any school failing to comply will be held accountable. Under the powers vested in the Directorate of Education, nine key instructions have been mandated for all private unaided recognized schools in Delhi. These includes parents must not be forced to buy from specific vendors or school-appointed suppliers, uploading the list of books and uniform specifications on their official website before the academic session begins and schools and principals must also ensure that students and parents are not pressured to purchase extra study materials beyond the prescribed curriculum.
The Directorate of Education will closely monitor adherence to these guidelines and take strict action against violations.
Parents and stakeholders concerned have been requested to report any violations to the Nodal Officer, Deputy Director of Education (PSB), via email at ddeact1@gmail.com or through the helpline number 9818154069. The government directives said that failing to adhere to the guidelines will be considered a violation of the Delhi School Education Act and appropriate action under BNS and BNSS against such malpractices will also be taken up. The Delhi Government remains committed to making education affordable and accessible for all.
