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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday issued a stern warning to the private schools in the national capital, advising them not to coerce parents into buying from a single vendor and suggesting materials that are available in the market
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta advises private schools not to coerce parents by opting for a single-vendor diktat(Hindustan Times)Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday issued a stern warning to private schools in the national capital, including the possibility of a takeover against institutions that are coercing parents to buy books, uniforms, and stationery from a single or designated vendor.
In a post on X, Gupta wrote, "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 will be no coercion, no captive buying, no single-vendor diktat."
Delhi CM's stern warning to private schools
She further said, "Ensure this without exception. Any violation, any manipulation, will invite the toughest action available under the law. A takeover is not beyond consideration. My inspections are not a gimmick. They are enforcement in action. They are driven by the voices of parents who have written to me, telling me where I must go next."
The Delhi CM also noted that she could walk into any private school in the capital at any time to ensure compliance with these measures. Her remarks reportedly come after Gupta received complaints and suggestions directly from parents.
She added that if a school wishes to suggest parents for convenience, they can hand over a list of five to six shops, but they must ensure that there is no compulsion of any kind.
Delhi CM's message comes after DoE's guidelines
Gupta's message comes nearly a month after the Directorate of Education (DoE) directed private schools in the national capital not to make it compulsory for parents to purchase books and uniforms from their designated vendors and shops, Times Now reported.
According to the order, private schools have been instructed to provide parents with a clear, class-wise list of books, writing materials, and uniform specifications transparently. The Delhi government has also advised schools to ensure that the books, uniforms, and other items mentioned in the list are available in the market. DoE also reminded schools that they cannot impose such rules on parents that can put them under financial strain.
DoE also instructed schools that the procurement of books should follow the guidelines issued by the boards of education (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards/Primary Education Authorities).
The move is expected to bring relief to hundreds of families across Delhi, who have long complained about being coerced into purchasing overpriced school supplies from designated vendors, a practice that has become a pattern among schools and is also a cause of concern in the private education sector.
This is a developing story. More details awaited.
About the Author
Swati Gandhi
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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