Take action against schools forcing to buy books from specific vendors: Atishi

On Friday, Atishi, the Education Minister of Delhi, instructed officials to take action against private schools that are allegedly pressuring parents to purchase expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors. Atishi emphasized that the Education Department guidelines must be followed and any violation will be dealt with severely. Private schools must either stop forcing parents to buy from certain vendors or face consequences, she warned.

The Education Department had already issued instructions to schools on March 17, requiring compliance with the guidelines on the sale of books and uniforms. In case of a complaint, immediate notice should be issued stating the reasons, and if the guidelines are violated, action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the Delhi School Education Act 1973. Atishi stated that parents have the right to obtain proper information about books and uniforms for the upcoming academic session and can purchase them at their convenience.

According to Education Department guidelines, private schools must display a class-wise list of books and other study materials on their website before the start of the new academic session. Schools must also provide at least five nearby shops' addresses and phone numbers on their website where parents can purchase books and uniforms. The guidelines state that parents are free to buy from any store as per their convenience, and the school cannot compel them to purchase from a particular vendor. The guidelines also stipulate that private schools cannot change the colour, design, or other specifications of school uniforms for at least three years.

Atishi emphasized that the goal of education should be to build the future of the country, not to earn money, and private schools that violate the guidelines will not be tolerated. She urged officials to identify such schools and take strict action against them.