The warning of "strict action" came after the government received several complaints in this regard from parents.
"A number of complaints has been received from parents and stakeholders of EWS/DG category that many of the private unaided recognised schools are refusing to provide free books, uniform and writing materials to the children and demanding money for providing these materials which is causing great hardship to parents," the Directorate of Education (DoE) said in a communication to principals.
As per provisions of the Right to Education Act, 2009, the students admitted under EWS and Disadvantaged Group (DG) categories are entitled to free books, uniform and writing material.
The government had last month increased the amount of reimbursement to private schools for each admission under the two categories following complaints from the school heads about the amount being too less. The amount has been raised to Rs 1,598 from Rs 1,290.