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Delhi CM Warns Private Schools Against Forcing Parents to Buy from Single Vendor

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has warned private schools against forcing parents to buy books, uniforms, and stationery from specific vendors. She announced surprise inspections and stated that schools must clearly inform parents of their freedom to purchase from anywhere. Gupta emphasized that violations will invite the toughest legal action, including potential takeover of the school. The directive follows complaints from parents about coercive practices in educational institutions.

Key Points: Delhi CM Warns Private Schools on Single-Vendor Diktat

  • Schools cannot force parents to buy from a single vendor
  • CM will conduct surprise inspections
  • Five to six references allowed, but no compulsion
  • Violations may lead to takeover of schools
2 min read

'No single-vendor diktat': Delhi CM warns private schools

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta warns private schools against forcing parents to buy books, uniforms, and stationery from specific vendors. Surprise inspections planned.

"I can go to any private school in Delhi for inspection. - Rekha Gupta"

New Delhi, April 30

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday that no private school should force parents to buy books, uniforms, stationery items, and other stuff from the institution itself or from a particular vendor, failing which action will be taken.

The Chief Minister said that she will visit private schools in the city and conduct a surprise inspection.

In a video message on X, she said: "'I can go to any private school in Delhi for inspection. Every school will state it clearly on its notice board, on its website, and at any store it operates that parents are free to buy uniforms, books and stationery from anywhere."

"There is no compulsion that they should buy from the school itself or from any of the vendors mentioned by you. Not at all," she emphasised.

However, she mentioned that if the schools want to convey anything regarding the purchase of the stuff, they can give five to six references in writing for the ease of parents.

"But there shall be no compulsion that parents have to buy books from the centre of your reference," she said.

Alongside the video message, the Chief Minister mentioned that there will be "no coercion, no captive buying and no single-vendor diktat".

"Please ensure this; it is not a joke," she cautioned.

She firmly said that the message is being conveyed to schools on a very serious note.

"Any violation, any manipulation, will invite the toughest action available under the law. A takeover is not beyond consideration," she said.

Cautioning schools not to take her inspection warning lightly, the Chief Minister said: "Me coming for an inspection is not a gimmick; it is a reality."

She said that the message is the result of all those comments which were sent to her by the people, including parents.

She also said that the parents have sent her suggestions regarding the next school she should visit.

"People can send me more suggestions. I will visit all those places where wrongdoings are taking place. It is our responsibility to improve Delhi," she asserted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is great governance! As someone who moved to Delhi from the UK, I was shocked to hear that schools here dictate uniform suppliers. Back home, you can buy from any shop. Hope other states follow Delhi's lead.
K
Kavya N
It's about time someone addressed this issue! Schools have been running a monopoly for years. But I hope she also looks into the quality of books and uniforms available in open market - sometimes the school's quality is better even if costly. Striking a balance is important.
J
Jennifer L
I run a small stationery shop near a private school and this is music to my ears! Schools have been forcing parents to buy from their own shops, directly affecting small businesses like mine. This move will help local shopkeepers and reduce burden on middle-class families.
M
Meera T
Encouraging announcement! But I'm a bit skeptical - we've heard such promises before. The school my daughter studies in charges ₹4000 for a single set of uniforms that are available for ₹1500 outside. CM Gupta should provide a dedicated helpline number for parents to report violations without fear.

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