Delhi Government Eases School Purchase Rules for Parents

In a significant move, the Delhi government has relaxed the rules for purchasing school books and uniforms, allowing parents to buy from any vendor. This decision comes as a relief to many families who faced financial strain due to previous restrictions that mandated purchases from school-affiliated shops. The new guidelines ensure that schools cannot compel parents to buy exclusively from their stores, promoting transparency in pricing and providing parents with the freedom to choose where to shop. This change aims to alleviate the economic burden on families and enhance their purchasing options for educational materials.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 2, 2026, 13:50 IST

New Guidelines for Private School Purchases

As April begins, the new academic session kicks off, prompting students to purchase books and uniforms. A significant financial burden arises from the requirement that these items must be bought exclusively from the school. However, the Delhi government has issued a directive to close the shops operated by private schools. On April 1, the government announced that parents can now purchase school books and uniforms from any vendor of their choice, effectively putting an end to the previous restrictions that forced purchases from school-affiliated stores. This announcement is a welcome relief for parents, allowing students the freedom to choose where to buy their educational materials.

Important Directives for Recognized Schools
The Delhi government has released crucial guidelines for private unaided recognized schools. Parents and students are now permitted to buy books, stationery, and uniforms from any vendor, and schools cannot compel them to make purchases exclusively from school-run shops. The Directorate of Education issued this order to ensure that parents can shop according to their convenience and budget.

What the Directorate of Education Mandates
Schools are prohibited from enforcing policies that require purchases of books and uniforms solely from their stores. They must provide a price list for books and uniforms on their websites and notice boards, allowing parents to easily compare prices and make informed decisions. The books and syllabus must align with the CBSE, ICSE, State Board, or other educational authorities' prescribed curricula, facilitating easier access for parents to obtain necessary materials from any store.

Why This Order Was Necessary
There have been numerous complaints from parents and organizations regarding arbitrary practices in some schools. Reports indicated that schools were selling books, notebooks, uniforms, belts, bags, and ties at inflated prices, often compelling parents to buy from designated stores. This created significant financial strain on families. With this new order, private schools in Delhi can no longer insist on purchases from their own shops or any designated vendors.