New Delhi, April 2 -- Ahead of the commencement of the new academic year, the Delhi Government has told private schools in the national capital that they cannot force parents to purchase textbooks, notebooks, uniforms, bags, and other materials from specific vendors.

The Delhi government's Directorate of Education (DoE), in an order issued on April 1, said parents should be allowed to purchase books and uniforms from any vendor as long as they conform to the prescribed syllabus and specifications.

Private unaided recognised schools cannot mandate purchases of books, uniforms, stationery, or accessories from any particular shop, supplier, or organisation, the order said.

Schools have also been banned from forcing parents to purchase add...