Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday issued a stark warning to private schools in the national capital, including the possibility of taking over institutions that force parents to buy books, uniforms and stationery from a single or designated vendor.
In a post on X, Gupta wrote: “Each school will make it clear on its bulletin board, on its website and in every store it operates that parents are free to buy uniforms, books and stationery from anywhere. There will be no coercion, no captive buying, no dictates of a single vendor.”
Delhi CM stern warning to private schools
She went on to say, “Ensure it without exception. Any violation, any tampering will require the strongest action available under the law. Takeovers are not out of the question. My inspections are not a gimmick. They are enforcement in action. They are driven by the voices of parents who have written me where to go next.”
The Delhi CM also noted that she could walk into any private school in the capital anytime to ensure compliance with these measures. Her remarks reportedly follow Gupta receiving complaints and suggestions directly from parents.
Read also | Delhi Palam fire: 9 dead; was a short circuit the cause? CM, LG order probe
She added that if the school wishes to suggest to parents for convenience, they can provide a list of five to six stores, but must ensure that there is no coercion involved.
The Delhi CM’s message comes after DoE directives
Gupta’s message comes nearly a month after the Directorate of Education (DoE) directed private schools in the capital not to make it compulsory for parents to buy books and uniforms from their designated vendors and shops, Times Now reported.
According to the regulation, private schools have been instructed to transparently provide parents with a clear list of books, stationery and uniform specifications. The Delhi government has also advised schools to ensure that books, uniforms and other listed items are available in the market. The DoE also reminded schools that they cannot impose rules on parents that could burden them financially.
The DoE has also directed the schools to follow the guidelines issued by the Boards of Education (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards/Primary Education Authorities) for procurement.
Read also | Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ensures action on ‘racial abuse’ of Arunachal women
The move is expected to bring relief to hundreds of families across Delhi who have long complained of being forced to buy overpriced school supplies from designated vendors, a practice that has become a pattern among schools and is also a cause for concern in the private education sector.
Irregularities reported at private school in Delhi
According to the government, following complaints of arbitrary practices, a recent joint action by the DoE and the revenue department has revealed serious irregularities at the private school, PTI reported.
Quoting the official, she said: “During a surprise inspection that lasted two days, the school was found to be operating without a valid fire safety certificate. In addition, the pool on the premises was also found to be unlicensed and was sealed with immediate effect. The investigation also revealed several other irregularities at the school.”
Officials added that as per Gupta’s directions, the functioning of all private and aided schools is being checked and strict action will be taken if irregularities are found.
