'No Single-Vendor Diktat On Buying Uniforms, Stationery': Delhi CM Warns Schools

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday warned schools against forcing parents to buy uniforms, books and stationery for their children from specific vendors.

On April 2, the Directorate of Education (DoE) issued one of its strictest directives yet, aiming to curb the exploitation of parents by private schools in Delhi.

It also restricted frequent changes in school uniforms. Schools can no longer alter the design or colour of uniforms every year or at short intervals. Once finalised, a uniform must remain unchanged for at least three years.

The DoE also reiterated that private schools are expected to function on a ‘no profit, no loss’ basis, that is, operating only to cover actual costs, without generating any surplus or incurring losses.

The move follows repeated complaints from parents alleging that schools were compelling them to purchase books, stationery, and uniforms from specific vendors at inflated prices. Items such as notebooks, bags, belts, shoes, and other essentials were reportedly being sold at rates significantly higher than those available in the open market.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister said in a post on X: “I can walk into any private school in Delhi for an inspection, anytime, my inspections are not a gimmick. They are enforcement in action.”

She further said that every school will state it clearly on its notice board, website and at any store it operates that parents are free to buy uniforms, books and stationery from anywhere.

“There will be no coercion, no captive buying, no single-vendor diktat. If a school wishes to suggest shop options for convenience, it may provide a written list of five to six shops, but there will be no compulsion of any kind,” she said.

The CM said that instructions have been given to ensure that this is implemented strictly and no laxity will be tolerated.

“This is not a routine directive but a matter of utmost seriousness. If any irregularity is found anywhere, strict action will be taken against the concerned school, and if necessary, it may even be taken over,” she said in a statement.

Recently, parents across cities highlighted the amount they were spending on school books. In a video, a man could be seen standing with a large bundle of books and materials in his hands. He explained the situation faced by parents while buying school supplies.