Taking a serious note of some private schools compelling parents to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors, Delhi Education Minister Atishi has directed the Department of Education to take strict action against these schools.
She said the violation of the Education Department guidelines on books and uniforms by private schools “will not be tolerated” and that strict action will be taken against such schools.
Over the past few days, the Education Minister has been receiving continuous complaints that parents are being forced by private schools to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specific shops or vendors. Recently, some parents have met with the Education Minister and brought the issue to her notice
“Private schools must either stop forcing parents to buy books and uniforms from specific sellers or be ready to face severe consequences. Violation of education department guidelines will not be tolerated,” Atishi said.
The Education Department had issued instructions to schools on March 17 to comply with the guidelines on sale of books and school uniforms. It said immediate notice must be issued stating the reasons in case of any complaint. And in case of violation, action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the Delhi School Education Act 1973, it added.
“There have been continuous complaints that private schools are forcing parents to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specific vendors. Recently, some parents also met me and brought this to my notice. Those schools should be identified and strict action should be taken against them,” the Education minister said. Atishi said every parent has the right to obtain proper information about books and uniforms for the upcoming academic session and can arrange them according to their convenience.
“The purpose of education should be to build the future of the country, not to earn money,” she added.