Bhubaneswar, April 3 -- The Delhi government's directive barring private schools from forcing parents to buy books, uniforms and other materials from specific vendors triggered fresh debate in Odisha. Questions emerged about when similar rules will be enforced in the state.

The Delhi Directorate of Education issued guidelines stating that parents cannot be compelled to purchase books, notebooks, uniforms or related items from designated sellers. Parents have the freedom to procure these materials from any source of their choice.

The move follows multiple complaints that some schools were forcing parents to buy educational materials from specific shops at higher prices. Such practices are termed illegal under the Delhi School Education A...