PIL in Delhi High Court against private schools forcing EWS students to buy expensive books, uniform

A PIL has been filed in the Delhi HC challenging private schools’ practice of compelling students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to purchase expensive private-publisher books, uniforms, and kits. 

The petitioner, Jagjeet Singh Sahni, requested that all CBSE-affiliated schools be directed to use only NCERT books unless there is a genuine shortage, with private books allowed only then.

The plea highlights that NCERT books cost around ₹65, while private options bundled into compulsory kits range between ₹400 to ₹700, creating financial exclusion for EWS students.

It also sought rules to regulate booklists and vendors and called for strict enforcement of the School Bag Policy, 2020, limiting school bag weight to 10% of a student’s weight. The matter is expected to be heard on August 27.