UT DEO toughens rules on school textbook, uniform lists

Chandigarh: The UT district education officer (DEO) has issued revised directions to private unaided recognised schools regarding publication of textbook and uniform lists, formally superseding the circular released a day earlier and tightening the language on coercion and parental choice.The fresh order, issued "in supersession" of the Feb 26 circular, continues to mandate that schools upload complete, class-wise lists of prescribed textbooks, including title, author and publisher, along with uniform details on the homepage of their official websites in three days. The same lists must also be displayed prominently on school notice boards, accessible to parents.In the previous circular, schools had been directed to publish lists online within three days, display them on notice boards, refrain from nominating specific vendors, ensure availability of prescribed items through multiple sellers across the city, and were barred from selling books or uniforms on campus or allowing private vendors to set up temporary counters.While the broad framework remains unchanged, the revised circular significantly sharpens the clause related to purchase practices. It reiterates that schools shall not, verbally or in writing, direct parents to buy books or uniforms from any specific shop or vendor. Schools have again been asked to ensure open availability of prescribed items across multiple vendors to prevent artificial shortages, queues or monopolistic practices.The most notable modification relates to on-campus sales. Instead of merely prohibiting sale of books and uniforms on school premises, the revised order states that schools are "strictly prohibited from coercing or compelling parents" to purchase textbooks, stationery or uniforms from within the school premises. It explicitly adds that parents shall have the freedom to purchase prescribed items from any vendor of their choice in the open market.The directions state that they must be followed "in letter and spirit", warning that any verified complaint from parents regarding forced purchases due to delayed publication of lists will be taken seriously.The move comes amid complaints received by the department over delays in publishing textbook and uniform lists and alleged pressure on parents to purchase from selected vendors. The revised wording appears aimed at removing ambiguity and reinforcing parental choice ahead of the 2026–27 academic session.A copy of the circular has been forwarded to the director, school education, Chandigarh administration, for information.The instructions-- Schools must upload class-wise textbook lists — with title, author and publisher — and uniform details on their websites within three days -- The same lists must also be displayed prominently on school notice boards for parent access -- Revised circular sharpens language on purchase practices, reiterating that schools cannot verbally or in writing direct parents to buy from specific vendors -- Schools told to ensure books and uniforms are available through multiple sellers to prevent shortages, queues or monopolistic practices -- New order explicitly states schools are "strictly prohibited from coercing or compelling parents" to buy textbooks, stationery or uniforms from within the campus -- Adds that parents must have complete freedom to purchase from any vendor of their choice in the open market -- Warns that verified complaints about forced purchases due to delayed list publication will be taken seriously