Odisha Minister Enforces NCERT Books in Private Schools to Combat Overpricing
In a decisive move to standardize education and protect parents from financial exploitation, Odisha's School and Mass Education Minister, Nityananda Gond, has issued a strict directive to private schools across the state. On Saturday, Gond announced that private institutions must ensure the sale and use of only NCERT books, addressing widespread allegations of schools mandating expensive textbooks from specific publishers in various states.
NCERT books are designed to standardize education, and requiring books from other publishers undermines this goal, Gond emphasized during a media briefing in Bhubaneswar. He warned that charging parents excessive amounts for educational materials will not be tolerated, stating, "If such allegations against any school are received, strict action will be taken against it."
Government Schools to Receive New Textbooks During Summer Vacation
Gond also provided updates on textbook distribution for government schools, noting that all such institutions will receive their quota of new textbooks during the upcoming summer vacation. This follows the implementation of the National Education Policy-2020, which necessitated syllabus changes and the production of new books. "Students of around 50% of the schools have received the new books, and the rest will get them during the summer vacation," he added.
After adopting NEP-2020, the Odisha government developed a revised curriculum aligned with the Odisha State Curriculum Framework and the national policy. As part of this initiative, 55 new textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 will be introduced starting the 2026-27 academic year. These textbooks have been translated and contextualized from NCERT materials to incorporate local perspectives, culture, and heritage, ensuring they reflect the state's unique identity while maintaining educational standards.
Broader Implications for Education Standardization
This policy shift aims to curb the practice of private schools forcing parents to buy costly books from particular publishers, a issue reported in multiple states. By mandating NCERT books, the government seeks to promote affordability and uniformity in education. Gond's announcement underscores a commitment to enforcing the NEP-2020's principles, which prioritize accessible and standardized learning resources across India.
The move is expected to have significant implications for private school operations, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and compliance checks. Parents and educators are likely to welcome the initiative as a step toward reducing financial burdens and ensuring equitable access to quality education materials in Odisha.
