The Delhi government has taken action against private schools in the capital for violating education department guidelines related to the purchase of books and uniforms. Show-cause notices have been issued to 12 private schools, while an inquiry has been ordered against six other schools, for not following the guidelines of the Directorate of Education.
The Education Minister Atishi has said that guidelines issued by the education department give parents the freedom to buy books and uniforms from 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. The Delhi government will not tolerate such violations and strict action will be taken against schools found guilty of breaking the rules.
The education department has sent notices to the concerned schools, asking them to explain the reasons for the complaints received from parents. An investigation is also being carried out by the Directorate of Education, and if any violations of guidelines are found, action will be taken against the schools under the relevant provisions of the Delhi School Education Act, 1973.
The education department guidelines state that private schools must display a class-wise list of books and study materials on their website before the beginning of the new academic session. Additionally, schools must also display at least five nearby shops’ addresses and phone numbers on their website, where parents can purchase books and school uniforms. Parents have the freedom to buy these items from any store of their convenience, and the school cannot compel them to purchase from a particular vendor.
The guidelines also state that private schools cannot change the color, design, or other specifications of school uniforms for at least three years. The Delhi government’s action against schools is a welcome step for parents who have long complained about the pressure exerted by schools to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors. The government’s intervention will help ensure that schools follow the guidelines and prevent the exploitation of parents.
