Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Warns Private Schools Against Forced Book, Uniform Sales, Says Surprise Inspections Not a ‘Gimmick’

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed private schools to immediately stop coercing parents into buying books, uniforms, and stationery from specific vendors. The Delhi government will conduct surprise inspections to enforce compliance, motivated by parental complaints about 'single-vendor' monopolies. Schools must display notices on their websites and bulletin boards stating that parents are free to purchase materials from any supplier. Non-compliant schools will face penalties, including heavy fines and potential government takeover in severe cases. The government has already inspected schools, such as Venkateshwar Global School in Rohini, which was flagged for operating without a valid fire safety certificate and an unlicensed swimming pool. Schools are allowed to suggest vendors for convenience but cannot make purchases from those shops mandatory.