Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated on Thursday that parents are at liberty to purchase uniforms, books, and stationery from any vendor without being subjected to coercion or a 'single-vendor diktat' by schools.
She affirmed her authority to inspect any private school in Delhi at any time to ensure compliance with these regulations.
In a video posted on X, Gupta declared, “Every school will clearly state on its notice board, website, and at any store it operates that parents are free to buy uniforms, books, and stationery from anywhere. There will be no coercion, no captive buying, no single-vendor diktat. Ensure this without exception.”
She cautioned that any breach or manipulation would result in the strictest legal action, including, in severe instances, the possibility of institutional takeover. Gupta emphasised, “My inspections are not a gimmick. They are enforcement in action. They are driven by the voices of parents who have written to me, indicating where I must go next.”
The Chief Minister encouraged citizens to continue providing feedback and suggestions, concluding, “Fixing Delhi is our responsibility. My Delhi, my responsibility.”
Earlier, Gupta undertook a surprise inspection of Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital in Civil Lines. During this visit, she engaged with patients and their families to evaluate the facilities and the availability of medical staff.
An official release stated that she assessed the arrangements in the outpatient department (OPD), wards, medicine distribution centre, cleanliness, water supply, and digital services. Gupta also conversed with patients and attendants to understand the situation on the ground.
The release noted that numerous elderly patients complained of long waits from early morning without being attended to. In response, Gupta directed hospital authorities to provide sufficient seating and to implement an effective token system to prevent patients from having to stand for extended periods.