In a significant step to protect parents and promote fair practices in education, the Indore district administration in Madhya Pradesh has issued a strict directive prohibiting private schools from forcing students to purchase books, uniforms, or stationery from specific vendors.
The order, issued by the District Magistrate under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, aims to curb monopolistic practices that have long burdened parents financially.
What the New Order Says
The directive, effective from April 12 to June 11, 2026, clearly states that:
- Schools cannot compel parents to buy materials from designated shops
- Students and parents are free to purchase items from any vendor of their choice
- Vendors are barred from forcing the purchase of complete book sets
This move is expected to break the long-standing nexus between schools and select vendors, ensuring greater affordability and choice for families.
Mandatory Transparency Measures Introduced
To ensure accountability and transparency, the administration has laid down strict compliance requirements for schools:
- Schools must upload book lists on their official websites before exam results are announced
- The same lists must be displayed publicly on school notice boards
- At least three different vendors must be listed two months before the academic session begins
These measures aim to eliminate last-minute pressure on parents and provide them enough time to make informed purchasing decisions.
Focus on Standardised and Affordable Education Materials
The order also mandates schools to prioritise textbooks from recognised sources such as:
- NCERT
- Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation
By discouraging unnecessary reliance on expensive private publishers, the administration seeks to make education more accessible and cost-effective.
Uniform Rules Tightened
In another key reform, the administration has introduced strict guidelines regarding school uniforms:
- Schools can prescribe only two types of uniforms
- Uniform design or pattern cannot be changed for three years
- Schools are prohibited from branding notebooks or covers with their names
These steps are intended to prevent frequent and unnecessary expenses for parents.
Strict Action for Violations
Authorities have warned that any violation of the order will attract strict legal action against school management and principals under relevant provisions of the law.
Recent enforcement actions in Indore, including FIRs against schools and vendors for similar practices, underline the administration’s commitment to implementing the rules effectively.
A Growing National Trend
Indore’s move reflects a broader trend across India, where governments are stepping in to regulate private school practices. Similar directives in other states have emphasised:
- Freedom of choice for parents
- Prevention of commercialisation in education
- Greater transparency in school operations
These reforms collectively aim to ensure that education remains a right, not a financial burden.
