Taking cognisance of concerns over private schools allegedly compelling parents to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors, education minister Atishi on Friday asked the directorate of education to take strict action against such schools. Atishi said that according to guidelines issued by the education department last year, parents had the freedom to buy books and uniforms from a place of their convenience.

Stating that the purpose of education should be to build the future of the country and not to earn money, Atishi said, "Violation of education department guidelines on books and school uniforms by private schools will not be tolerated. Recently, there have been continuous complaints that private schools are forcing parents to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specific vendors. Such schools should be identified and strict action taken against them." Officials said that the education department had issued instructions to schools on March 17 asking them to comply with the guidelines on sale of books and school uniforms.

"If private schools are forcing parents to buy expensive books and school uniforms from specific places, it is a violation of these guidelines and disciplinary action will be taken," Atishi said. The minister further added, "Every parent has the right to obtain proper information about books and uniforms before the beginning of the new academic session.

According to the guidelines, private schools are also required to display a class-wise list of books and other study materials on their website apart from displaying information pertaining to at least five shops where parents can purchase books and school uniforms.

Meanwhile, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, leader of the opposition in Delhi Assembly, said that despite several complaints, the Delhi government had not taken action against any school yet.

Stating that parents are being "exploited", Bidhuri said, "Lakhs of rupees are earned in books, notebooks and uniforms and the school gets a major share in it. There is a provision under the Delhi Education Act that recognition of such schools can be cancelled."