Choice or Compulsion? Delhi's Message to Schools
- June 23, 2026, 6:16 p.m.
The Delhi government has notified the aided and private schools against obliging parents to buy uniforms, stationery or books from particular vendors. Rekha Gupta, the CM, stated that parents have the freedom to purchase these items from any shop of their selection, and schools going against the directive could face strict action, involving a possible government takeover.
Parents Can Purchase from Anywhere
The CM directed schools to properly show notices on their websites, in-house stores and notice boards, saying that parents may buy uniforms, stationery and books from any vendor they like. All schools will properly mention on their website and notice board that parents can buy books, stationery and uniforms from anywhere. Schools cannot enforce captive buying, single-vendor restrictions, and coercion. It’s not necessary that parents must buy only from particular sellers, while schools may do vendor promotions.
Ms Gupta warned that authorities could also carry on inspections without prior instructions. She clarified that authorities would conduct inspections based on the complaints received from parents. Her inspections are not symbolic practices, and they make up enforcement driven by concerns created by parents who have written to her and highlighted where action is required.
Strict Action and Takeover Warning
The CM warned schools that going against the directive and assured compliance without exclusion. Any manipulation or violation will bring the strictest action allowed under the law, and the government may consider a takeover.
Inspection Reveals Violations
The government gave the warning as inspection drives started throughout all the schools. Teams from the Revenue and Education Departments found out that there were many violations during a recent inspection at a private school in Rohini, including the functioning of an unlicensed swimming pool, no valid fire safety certificate and additional irregularities under review.
From Advisory to Enforcement
The new directive fortifies an earlier government order that advised schools not to compel parents to purchase uniforms, stationery or books from assigned vendors. The problem started after parents reported that schools were forcing them to buy supplies only from particular shops.
The latest directive establishes stricter enforcement steps through compulsory inspections, disclosures, and the punitive action possibilities, while the earlier order launched the rule.
Inspections Continued
Authorities are required to continue inspections throughout aided and private schools in Delhi to ensure compliance with the government’s orders.
