Punish schools for forcing parents to buy books from specific shops: Atishi

Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Friday directed the officials to initiate action against private schools that allegedly forced parents of students to buy expensive books and uniforms from specific vendors.

She said the violation of the Education Department guidelines on books and uniforms by private schools "will not be tolerated" and that strict action will be taken against such schools.

"Private schools must either stop forcing parents to buy books and uniforms from specific sellers or be ready to face severe consequences. Violation of education department guidelines will not be tolerated," Atishi said.

The Education Department had issued instructions to schools on March 17 to comply with the guidelines on sale of books and school uniforms. It said immediate notice must be issued stating the reasons in case of any complaint. And in case of violation, action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the Delhi School Education Act 1973, it added.

"There have been continuous