Delhi Schools Forcing Parents to Buy Expensive Uniforms; Education Directorate’s Warning Ineffective — 5 Key Points You Must Know

New Delhi: Despite repeated warnings from the Delhi Education Directorate, many private schools across the city continue to compel parents to buy costly winter uniforms from select vendors. As temperatures drop, complaints from parents are rising, with several alleging that schools are openly violating government guidelines issued earlier this year.

In April, the Directorate had directed schools to publish complete details of uniforms, books and at least five vendor options. However, parents say these rules are being ignored.

Parents Complain of Missing Vendor Lists and Inflated Prices

Parents of Srijan School, Model Town, wrote to the Director of Education stating that schools are not providing proper vendor details. Parents’ Association President Daksh Anand revealed that among the five vendors listed by some schools, one number is switched off while others claim they have no stock. This leaves parents with no choice but to buy uniforms directly from the school at higher prices.

Parent Nitin Gupta said he is being forced to purchase uniforms from the school because the only vendor willing to sell insists on buying the “school kit” first. He also highlighted that the school has changed the uniform design—even though winter uniforms are required for barely two months—and vendors are unaware of the updated design.

Delhi Parents Association President Aparajita Gautam confirmed that many schools have either not uploaded vendor lists or have uploaded incorrect ones. As a result, parents end up purchasing uniforms and shoes from the school at 20%–50% higher prices.

Uniform Design Cannot Be Changed Before 3 Years

Multiple parents say the new uniforms may not be usable next year, as schools prescribe different designs for various classes—Nursery, KG, Class 1–5, Class 6–8, and higher classes.

However, the Directorate had clearly stated in 2023 that uniform designs cannot be changed within three years.

Parents claim that lack of inspections and zero action against complaints have emboldened schools to continue such practices.

Schools Aren’t Providing Vendor Lists

DPS Parents Association’s Divya Maity said their school does not compel parents to buy from the school, but it also does not give any vendor list. For classes up to 5, parents often buy from the school due to frequently changing uniform patterns.

Atul Raheja from the Indian Parents Association said that most schools they surveyed have not provided vendor lists. “In my child’s school, only one vendor’s name has been given—and he sells only from inside the school. A single set of shirt, trousers, and coat costs ₹4,500,” he said.

Directorate Rules: Schools Can Face Derecognition

According to the Delhi Education Directorate:

• Schools must upload class-wise lists of books, stationery, and uniforms
• At least five vendors must be listed with addresses and phone numbers
• Parents are free to buy uniforms and books from any vendor of their choice
• Schools cannot force purchases from a specific shop
• Violations can lead to inspections, action under the Delhi School Education Act, and even cancellation of school recognition

Officials say complaints can be submitted to the District DDE for immediate action.

5 Key Points Parents Must Know

1. Parents can buy books and uniforms from any shop. Schools cannot force purchases from a particular vendor.
2. Schools must publish class-wise book lists, stationery lists, uniform details, and five vendor options on their website.
3. Uniform designs cannot be changed before 3 years, as per Directorate guidelines.
4. Many schools are promoting commercial activity by restricting options and withholding vendor lists.
5. Parents say no action against violators has encouraged schools to continue arbitrary, high-priced selling.