The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has cracked down on arbitrary practices by private schools. Schools will no longer be able to force parents to buy books and uniforms from specific stores. Strict action will be taken against those who violate the rules. Here’s what the new guidelines are and where to file complaints.
For a long time, complaints have been coming in that school administrations were colluding with specific vendors to force parents to buy books and stationery at inflated prices. Now, direct action is being prepared against such schools. Under this new order, commercial activities of schools have been strictly regulated. The Directorate has clarified that education is a service, not a business. From now on, no school will be able to unilaterally direct parents to a particular store.
Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued its toughest order yet to curb the arbitrary practices of private schools in Delhi regarding books and uniforms. With the new academic session beginning, the administration has made it clear that, considering the growing financial burden on parents, any form of commercial ‘monopoly’ under the guise of education will not be tolerated.
Curbing the Arbitrary Practices of Private Schools in Delhi
The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) had been receiving continuous complaints from parents that schools were pressuring them to buy books, notebooks, bags, belts, shoes, and other stationery from their preferred stores. The items at these stores were often sold at prices much higher than the market rate. Taking this seriously, the Directorate has clarified that no private school can force any student or parent to purchase items from a particular vendor or organization.
Clear Guidelines on Books and Curriculum
Schools will now be required to use only the textbooks prescribed by the boards (CBSE/ICSE/State Board) with which they are affiliated. They cannot pressure parents to purchase unnecessary or additional study materials or books on their own. Furthermore, before the start of the new academic session, schools must publish the list of textbooks for all classes on the school notice board and website.
Major Changes in the Uniform Policy
It is often observed that schools change the color or design of uniforms every year or every other year, forcing parents to buy new dresses. To curb this, the Directorate has ordered that once a uniform is decided, it cannot be changed for at least three years. Additionally, full details of the uniform’s design and fabric must be made public so that parents can purchase or get it stitched from a store of their choice.
Freedom to Choose Vendors
It is now mandatory for all public schools in Delhi to share the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least five different local stores/vendors from where students can purchase their supplies. This step has been taken to end the ‘monopoly’ of specific shops. Parents are completely free to buy items from any other store in addition to the five provided by the school.
Adherence to the ‘No-Profit’ Principle
Private schools have been reminded that they operate on the ‘No Profit, No Loss’ principle. The Directorate of Education has made it clear that earning any commercial profit within the school or in the school’s name is completely illegal. School premises cannot be used to promote any particular brand.
Complaint Redressal and Enforcement
For the protection of parents, the Delhi Directorate of Education has appointed a nodal officer. If any school violates these directives, parents can directly file a complaint with Dr. Rajpal Singh (Deputy Director, Education) at mobile number 9818154069. Complaints can be made on working days between 9 AM and 6 PM. If any violation of the rules is found, strict action will be taken under the Delhi School Education Act, 1973.
