Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Friday directed officials to initiate action against private schools that allegedly forced parents of students to buy expensive books and uniforms from exclusive vendors.
He said that violation of the guidelines of the education department on books and uniform by private schools would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against such schools.
Atishi said, “Private schools should either stop forcing parents to buy books and uniforms from specific vendors or face dire consequences. Violation of the guidelines of the education department will not be tolerated.”
On March 17, the education department had issued instructions to schools to follow the guidelines for the sale of books and school uniforms. It said that in case of any complaint, immediate notice should be issued stating the reasons. And in case of violation, action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the Delhi School Education Act 1973.
“There are frequent complaints that private schools are forcing parents to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specialized vendors. Recently, some parents also met me and brought this to my notice. They should be identified and strict action should be taken against them.” said the education minister.
Atishi said that every parent has the right to get proper information about the books and uniform for the upcoming academic session and they can make arrangements for them as per their convenience.
He said, “The aim of education should be to build the future of the country, not to earn money.”
As per the guidelines of the education department, private schools will have to display class-wise list of books and other study material on their website before the start of the new academic session for the information of parents.
In addition, schools must also display on their website the addresses and phone numbers of at least five nearby shops where parents can buy books and school uniforms.
Parents are free to buy these items from any shop as per their convenience and the school cannot force them to buy them from a particular vendor as per the guidelines.
They also say that private schools cannot change the colour, design or other specifications of the school uniform for at least three years.