Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday conducted a high-level review of the ongoing shortage of NCERT textbooks across the country and issued directives to speed up production and ensure last-mile delivery to students.
Review Meeting Highlights
During the meeting, Pradhan evaluated the current status of textbook printing and distribution. He noted that delays in supply have been reported from several states, affecting students' access to study materials at the start of the academic session.
The minister directed officials to thoroughly examine the supply chain bottlenecks and strengthen printing capacity wherever necessary. He emphasized the need for close monitoring of the entire distribution network, from printing presses to schools.
Key Directives
- Accelerate production: Pradhan instructed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and other agencies to ramp up printing operations to meet the demand.
- Strengthen supply chains: Officials were asked to identify weak links in the distribution chain and take corrective measures promptly.
- Last-mile monitoring: The minister stressed the importance of tracking deliveries to ensure that textbooks reach students in remote and rural areas without delay.
The review comes amid reports that several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, are facing a shortage of NCERT textbooks, particularly for classes 6 to 12. Parents and teachers have expressed concern over the delay, which they say is disrupting the learning process.
Government Response
Officials assured the minister that steps are being taken to resolve the issue. They informed him that additional printing capacity has been added and that the distribution network is being streamlined. The ministry has also set up a control room to monitor the progress of textbook supply on a daily basis.
Pradhan reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that every student has access to quality educational materials. He said that the shortage will be addressed on a war footing and that no student should be deprived of textbooks due to logistical issues.
The minister's intervention is expected to expedite the process and ease the concerns of students and parents across the country.
