Quick Andhra in Association with News9: Delhi government sends show-cause notices to 12 private schools
- Enquiry initiated against six other schools
- Delhi Education Minister warns of strict action against unsatisfactory responses
- AAP Minister takes cognizance of issue on April 7
- Education Department issues strict instructions to schools
- Guidelines for private schools on sale of books and school uniforms
- Violation of guidelines will not be tolerated, says Delhi Education Minister
New Delhi, April 20, 2023: The Delhi government has taken stern action against private schools for overcharging parents for books and uniforms. The government has issued show-cause notices to 12 schools and initiated an inquiry against six others, based on complaints received from parents.
According to a statement by the Delhi government, immediate action was taken after receiving complaints from parents regarding the exorbitant prices of books and uniforms in private schools. Delhi Education Minister Atishi has warned that unsatisfactory responses from schools will lead to strict action against them.
The issue of private schools forcing parents to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors was brought to the notice of the Education Minister on April 7. Atishi had then assured that the violation of Education Department guidelines on books and school uniforms by private schools will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against such schools.
The Education Department had already issued strict instructions to schools on March 17 to comply with the guidelines on the sale of books and school uniforms. The guidelines require private schools to display a class-wise list of books and study materials on their website before the beginning of the new academic session. Schools must also display at least five nearby shops' addresses and phone numbers on their websites where parents can purchase books and school uniforms. The guidelines further state that parents have the freedom to buy these items from any store as per their convenience, and the school cannot compel them to purchase from a particular vendor.
The guidelines also prohibit private schools from changing the colour, design, or other specifications of school uniforms for at least three years. Violation of these guidelines can lead to action under the relevant provisions of the DSE Act 1973.
The Delhi government's action against private schools has been welcomed by parents who have been struggling with the high cost of education. It is expected that the strict enforcement of guidelines will bring relief to parents and ensure that private schools do not indulge in unfair practices that burden them financially.
Share on WhatsApp