Forcing Students to Buy Costly Books & Uniforms; 12 Delhi Pvt Schools Put on Notice

New Delhi: Acting on parents’ complaints, the Delhi government initiated strict action against 12 private schools that are allegedly forcing parents to purchase expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors.

“So far, show-cause notices have been sent to 12 private schools across the capital for not following the guidelines of the Directorate of Education. If satisfactory answers to notices are not received from schools, they will have to face action by the department,” an official statement on Delhi government said on Wednesday.

An inquiry has been ordered against six other schools, the statement said. Sharing the information, Delhi Education Minister Atishi said, “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 (DoE).”

“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.

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 Kejriwal government and strict action will be taken against schools found guilty of violating these rules, she added.

The guidelines also state that private schools cannot change the colour, design, or other specifications of school uniforms for at least three years.