Weeks into the new academic session, the absence of textbooks in several Delhi schools has forced teachers to improvise daily, redesigning lessons at short notice to keep classes running and prevent learning gaps. While private schools have managed the transition with relative ease, government schools are grappling with limited resources and uneven access to technology.
Private Schools Adapt with Digital Tools
In many private schools, academic routines have remained largely unaffected due to backup systems already in place. Ameeta Mohan, principal of Amity International School, Pushp Vihar, stated, 'Despite challenges during the rollout of the new NCERT curriculum, physical textbooks for core subjects such as mathematics, science and social science were initially unavailable in the market. Yet not a single class was disrupted. Teachers quickly adapted by using PDF versions and links available on NCERT’s official website, ensuring lessons were delivered on time.' Digital tools have further eased the situation. For language subjects like Hindi and English, digital drafts and e-content shared online filled the gap, and teaching continued uninterrupted.
Some schools have also relied on reference books. A teacher from Somerville School mentioned, 'We suggest alternative books to students and parents that follow a similar curriculum and help with conceptual clarity.'
Government Schools Face Greater Challenges
The situation in government schools is more complex. Sunita, principal of a Delhi government school, explained, 'Some books have arrived, while others are still being delivered. Teachers are mapping the syllabus and using older books for overlapping topics. For new content, soft copies are shared with students on WhatsApp groups a day in advance so they can read before class.' She added that teachers are converting portions of the syllabus into worksheets to manage lessons. 'In schools with smartboards, it becomes more manageable. We procured one through school funds, and it has been very useful. Schools also have two to three units of K-Yan projectors, which are used with pen drives or Wi-Fi for teaching.'
Innovative Approaches Amid Constraints
Amid these constraints, some schools are experimenting with alternative approaches. Government Co-Ed Senior Secondary School (GCSV), Sector 21, Rohini, has introduced a 'Teaching-Learning Activity Without Books' initiative to make classrooms more interactive and skill-oriented. Principal Joginder Kumar said, 'The focus is on bridging learning gaps and strengthening conceptual understanding through experiential, activity-based learning. Students participate in project work, hands-on activities, group discussions, role plays, experiments, surveys and creative assignments instead of relying only on textbooks.'
Teacher Workload and Sustainability Concerns
Teachers, however, say the additional effort is difficult to sustain. From designing lesson plans at short notice to preparing worksheets and sourcing content, the extra load adds to an already demanding schedule. A teacher from a north Delhi government school noted, 'It is a challenge. Preparing worksheets every day for all subjects and students is not feasible. As a result, the teaching and learning process does get affected.'
Legal Action and Court Involvement
The academic session began on April 1, and the delay has affected lakhs of students from Classes I to VIII. The education minister earlier assured that all students would receive textbooks within April. Although distribution was later expedited, many students are still waiting. The issue has now reached the courts. Education activist and lawyer Ashok Agarwal has filed a contempt petition in the Delhi High Court, alleging willful disobedience of court directions by the education secretary for failing to supply textbooks to nearly 10 lakh students. 'Last year, when these lapses were flagged, the education secretary assured the court that books would be given to students on the first day of the session. Yet again this year, there has been a delay,' Agarwal said, adding that students in private schools receive books even before classes begin.
On Thursday, the Delhi High Court sought an explanation from the Delhi government over allegations that lakhs of students are yet to receive textbooks despite earlier court orders. An official stated, 'Government counsel assured the court that textbooks would be supplied to all students before the start of the summer vacation in the second week of May, so they have study material before the July session.'
