The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has formulated a comprehensive plan to ensure that every eligible student receives free textbooks on the very first day of the new academic session. This initiative is expected to put an end to years of delays in textbook distribution that have disrupted the academic schedules of thousands of students each year.
Textbook Distribution Drive
Municipal Commissioner Amol Yedage announced that a total of 1,40,299 students studying in Std I to VIII across government, aided, and local body schools in the city will be provided free textbooks on June 15, when schools reopen. The distribution drive has been accorded top priority by the civic chief, who reviewed preparations at the central textbook storage and distribution centre set up at St Xavier's School in Cidco N-1.
During the visit, Yedage inspected the stock and distribution arrangements and directed officials to ensure that all schools receive books within the stipulated time frame. Former corporator Mohsin Ahmed, who has been raising the issue of delayed book distribution for years, noted that delayed supply and distribution of textbooks meant that many students began their academic year without the complete set of books, impacting classroom learning during the crucial initial weeks.
Preparations and Stock
Civic officials stated that the administration is determined to avoid a repeat of past delays and ensure that no child is deprived of education due to unavailability of textbooks. As part of the state government's free textbook scheme under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the CSMC submitted its demand as early as February 2026. The corporation sought around 8.4 lakh textbooks for students enrolled in 513 schools across the city. Officials confirmed that approximately 6.6 lakh books have already been received at the distribution centre, with the remaining stock expected shortly.
Distribution of books to schools will be carried out between June 8 and June 12 through a centre-wise allocation system, ensuring that institutions are fully prepared before reopening. Out of the 513 schools, 344 are Marathi-medium, 158 Urdu-medium, five Hindi-medium, and six English-medium. All schools will receive their allotted stock in advance to facilitate immediate distribution to students on the opening day.
Revised Textbooks
This year, textbooks for Std II, III, IV, and VI have undergone revisions. Officials confirmed that the updated textbooks for these classes have already been received and stocked at the distribution centre. The formal distribution programme on June 15 will be conducted in the presence of the mayor, deputy mayor, leader of the house, leader of the opposition, public representatives, and education stakeholders.
Expressing satisfaction over the preparedness, Commissioner Yedage reviewed the safety, storage, and logistics arrangements at the centre and instructed officials to ensure smooth execution of the exercise.
