In a major crackdown ahead of the new academic session, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all private unaided recognised schools in Delhi to stop forcing students and parents to purchase books, notebooks, uniforms, bags, and related items from specific vendors.
In an April 1 order, the Director (Education) stated that schools must not mandate purchases from any designated shop or supplier and must ensure strict compliance with existing rules, warning of action against violations.
Order Follows Parent Complaints
The directive comes after complaints from parents alleging that some schools were compelling them to buy prescribed materials from select vendors. The order notes that such practices are not in line with rules and place an unnecessary financial burden on families.
It also reiterates that private unaided recognised schools, run by societies or trusts on a no-profit, no-loss basis, must avoid any form of commercialisation in school activities.
What Schools Are Barred From Doing
The order makes it clear that schools:- Cannot force the purchase of books, notebooks, uniforms, bags, or accessories from any specific vendor.
- Cannot prescribe or push additional material beyond the approved curriculum.
- Cannot frequently change uniform designs or specifications, which must remain unchanged for at least three years.
- Must not enter into exclusive arrangements with vendors or adopt any practice that directly or indirectly compels parents to buy from a particular source.
Mandatory Compliance Measures
To ensure transparency and accountability, schools must:
Display a complete class-wise list of prescribed books and materials
- On the school website
- On notice boards
- Within the school premises
- Clearly display uniform specifications.
Provide details of at least five nearby vendors, including names, addresses, and contact numbers, where prescribed items are available.
Schools have also been cautioned that concealing such information or misleading parents can invite legal consequences.
Parents Get Full Freedom
The Directorate has underlined that parents are free to purchase books, uniforms, and related materials from any vendor of their choice at fair market prices, as long as they conform to the prescribed syllabus and specifications.
Schools must not object to such materials. Any item that matches the prescribed list must be accepted, irrespective of where it is purchased.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
The order lays down a structured complaint system to ensure enforcement.
How To File A Complaint
If a school forces you to buy books, uniforms, or materials from specific vendors, here's how you can report it:
Nodal Officer: Dr Rajpal Singh, Deputy Director of Education (PSB)
Helpline: 9818154069
Email: ddeact1@gmail.com
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM (on working days)
Parents and stakeholders can also approach district and zonal education authorities for action.
Important: Authorities have said complaints will be acted upon, and schools violating the rules may face action under the Delhi School Education Act and other applicable laws.
Warning Of Strict Action
The directive has been issued under the provisions of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973, and the Right to Education Rules, 2011. It warns that non-compliance will invite action under Section 24 of DSEAR, 1973, as well as other applicable legal provisions.
Why This Matters
Officials say the move reinforces safeguards against commercial practices in schools and seeks to ensure transparency in the prescription and procurement of educational materials.
With clear rules now in place, the question remains: will private schools comply fully, or will enforcement become the real challenge?
