The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) on Tuesday launched 'Pustak Portal', an online platform enabling direct purchase and delivery of authentic PSEB textbooks at a flat 15% discount. The initiative is expected to benefit over 12 lakh students across Punjab, generating an estimated annual saving of nearly Rs 2.15 crore for students and parents.
First Education Board with Dedicated E-Commerce Platform
Dr Amarpal Singh, Chairman of PSEB, described the portal as a landmark step, stating that Punjab has become the first education board in the country to launch a dedicated e-commerce platform for the sale and delivery of textbooks. "Students, parents and schools can now place orders directly through the portal," Dr Singh said. Schools will only facilitate distribution and will not be allowed to charge anything above the prescribed PSEB rates, thereby eliminating the scope of overcharging by private booksellers.
2.25 Crore Books Across 361 Titles
PSEB has printed 2.25 crore books covering 361 textbook titles in Punjabi, English and Hindi mediums. To ensure smooth access, the board has set up 97 delivery/pick-up centres across Punjab. Books collected from these centres will be available at the discounted rate without any additional charges. Walk-in purchases can also be made from the district offices of PSEB.
Home Delivery via India Post Gyan Post Scheme
For home delivery, PSEB has tied up with India Post under the 'Gyan Post Scheme' with specially discounted rates. Delivery charges will range from Rs 20 to a maximum of Rs 100 for consignments up to 5 kg. The board clarified that government school students will continue to receive textbooks free of cost as per the state government’s policy, with books for the 2026-27 academic session already being delivered directly to schools.
Ensuring Transparency and Timely Availability
The portal is aimed at ensuring timely availability of genuine textbooks, bringing transparency in distribution and providing greater convenience to students and parents. With this initiative, PSEB seeks to curb the black market and overpricing by private sellers, while making quality education materials more accessible across the state.
