12 Delhi schools get notice for forcing parents to buy costly books, uniforms

A dozen private schools in Delhi have been issued show cause notices by the state government and a probe has been ordered against six other schools for allegedly forcing parents to buy books and uniforms at a high cost from specific sellers, according to sources.

Delhi education minister Atishi said Wednesday that many parents had raised complaints regarding the same despite Directorate of Education (DoE) regulations in the matter.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader confirmed that strict action will be initiated against the schools found to be violating the DoE rules.

Atishi said that she is tracking the grievances and the department has been asked to solve every issue raised by parents on a priority basis.

She added that parents have the right to seek details about the required items before the beginning of a school year.

As per the DoE guidelines, websites of private schools should share a class-wise list of books and education materials ahead of a new academic year.

The schools must also give contact information, including addresses, of at least five nearby shops from where the school material can be bought from.

Parents are free to choose their preferred shops in order to buy the books and uniforms and cannot be coerced by the school.

The education department has also directed private schools to not modify the colour, design and other details of their uniforms for at least three years.