Maharashtra Govt Says Schools Cannot Force Uniform, Book Purchases From Specific Vendors
Maharashtra Govt Says Schools Cannot Force Uniform, Book Purchases From Specific Vendors
Pune, April 17, 2026: In a step aimed at addressing repeated complaints of overcharging and unfair practices, the Maharashtra School Education Department has issued a fresh directive prohibiting schools from compelling parents to purchase uniforms, textbooks, or other materials from specific vendors or through the institutions themselves.
The circular, released on Thursday by the Directors of School Education for both primary and secondary sections, reinforces an earlier government resolution dated June 11, 2004. The order clearly states that schools must not impose any restrictions on where parents choose to buy essential items and warns against any form of pressure or coercion.
With the new academic session scheduled to begin in June, the department has also instructed local education authorities to establish a formal system for handling complaints. Officials have been asked to create dedicated email channels and appoint nodal officers to ensure that parents’ grievances are addressed in a timely manner.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the directive. Local education officers have been directed to communicate the rules to schools across their regions to ensure full compliance, especially during the period when families typically begin purchasing school supplies.
According to officials, the move is intended to prevent schools from engaging in practices that allegedly force parents to buy items from selected sellers, often at higher prices. The introduction of a structured grievance mechanism is expected to give parents a clear avenue to report such issues.
The directive applies to all primary and secondary schools in the state, regardless of their affiliation whether State Board, CBSE, or ICSE as well as their management structure, including private and government-aided institutions. It also clarifies that schools must follow textbooks prescribed by SCERT, NCERT, or their respective boards, and cannot require students to purchase books from specific private publishers.
Additionally, schools have been instructed to pass resolutions within their School Management Committees confirming that they will not enforce mandatory purchases, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the system.
