Delhi govt directs pvt schools against mandating purchases from specific vendors

The Delhi government said that the schools will have to display the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least five vendors or shops near the school where the items are available.

New Delhi

The class-wise book and writing material necessities for the coming session will also have to be displayed in advance.

The Delhi government on Wednesday instructed private unaided recognised schools in Delhi not to mandate purchase of books, uniforms or any other educational material from specific vendors, citing complaints from parents over the practice. In a bid to ensure that parents and students have options, it said that the schools will also have to display the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least five vendors or shops near the school where the items are available.

The order, issued on Wednesdayand signed by Veditha Reddy, the director of education, said that no school activity should have any scope of profit or commercialisation. It stated that parents and students in private unaided recognised schools have the right to purchase educational material from any palace of their choice. A copy of the order was accessed by HT.

The circular cites newspapers and complaints from parents and “other organisations” of compulsion by schools to purchase educational materials from specific private vendors.

“This raises concerns, as students should have the freedom to choose their educational supplies. Additionally, in some cases, schools impose compulsory purchases, putting financial pressure on students’ families. Considering these issues, it has been decided that schools must refrain from enforcing the purchase of specific educational materials from particular vendors. Instead, students should be free to buy these materials from their preferred sources at fair market prices. This directive aims to prevent commercial exploitation and ensure fair competition,” the order read.

As part of the order, private unaided recognised schools hereon have to provide parents and students with class-wise lists of prescribed books, educational materials, and other items, along with ensuring the availability of the items at various locations. The order states that the information has to be prominently displayed on school notice boards and their official website.

The class-wise book and writing material necessities for the coming session will also have to be displayed in advance. “Any private school found concealing this information or misleading students and parents will face legal consequences. Any school failing to comply will be held accountable,” the order read.

Schools have also been prohibited from changing any specification of the uniforms, such as the colour or design, for three years after it has been prescribed once.

“Schools and principals must ensure that students and parents are not subjected to undue pressure to purchase additional study materials beyond the prescribed curriculum. Schools must comply with the established educational guidelines and avoid unauthorized demands for extra purchases,” the order stated.

The order states that schools not complying with the same will invite action under Section 24 of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (1973), and under the BNS and BNSS as well. Parents, guardians, and other stakeholders can report violations of the same to their zone’s nodal officer.