CM Gupta warns private schools against compelling parents to buy books, uniforms from specific vendors

Issuing a strictly warning to the private schools in the national capital allegedly involved in compelling parents to buy books, stationary, and uniform for their wards from specific shops, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday said she might conduct a surprise check any time to ensure that no school violates the rule.

Gupta has directed all private schools to display a notice on websites specifying the stores operated by them from where they sell books, etc., stating that “parents can buy books, stationary, and dresses from whereever they want. It is not mandatory that such things be bought only from shops run buy shops.”

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Gupta warned that any institution found violating this rule will face strict action and could also end up in a takeover. She clarified that her inspections are not symbolic but are based on complaints and suggestions received from parents. “Parents have written to me indicating where inspections should be carried out next. I will visit all such places where irregularities are reported,” she said, inviting further suggestions from the public.
She reiterated that she would personally review the situation wherever violations are found, adding that it is the government’s responsibility to set Delhi’s school system in order and take all necessary steps in that direction.

Gupta said wherever such practices are going on, she will conduct visits and inspections to correct things, as taking care of the city and its people is her responsibility.
Meanwhile, acting on complaints, a joint team of the Education and Revenue Departments recently conducted a surprise inspection at a private school in Rohini Sector-13, where serious irregularities were found.

The two-day inspection revealed that the school was operating without a valid fire safety certificate, while a swimming pool on the premises was also found to be running without a licence and was sealed with immediate effect.

Additional violations were also detected during the inspection, while Delhi government has made it clear that the action will not be limited to a single school.

In line with the CM’s directions, the functioning of all private and aided schools is being examined, and strict action will be taken wherever violations are found.
The CM stressed that no parent can be compelled to purchase items from the school or from any single designated vendor, while schools may, for convenience, suggest a list of five to six vendors, but no purchase can be made mandatory.