Education Minister Reviews NCERT Textbook Production and Distribution
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan conducted a comprehensive review of NCERT textbook production, availability, and distribution for the current academic session. During the meeting held on Tuesday, he directed officials to ensure seamless delivery of books to students, with particular emphasis on rural areas where delays have been a recurring concern.
Focus on Timely Delivery and Last-Mile Connectivity
The minister instructed senior officials to monitor the distribution process at every stage, right up to the final delivery point. He stressed that no student should face inconvenience due to late arrival of textbooks, and called for a robust supply chain mechanism to prevent any bottlenecks.
Key directives issued during the review included:
- Strengthening the textbook supply chain across all states
- Scaling up printing operations wherever additional capacity is needed
- Ensuring proper coordination between state authorities and distribution agencies
- Maintaining close vigilance over the entire distribution network
Stock Assessment and Coordination Review
During the meeting, the minister reviewed the current stock position of NCERT books in various states and assessed whether distribution agencies were functioning in sync with state governments. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, was also present alongside senior officials from the Education Ministry and NCERT.
The review specifically examined how newly published NCERT titles are being prepared and whether existing inventory levels are sufficient to meet student demand across the country.
Digital Learning as a Supplementary Option
Recognizing that physical distribution may take time in remote locations, the minister highlighted the availability of digital textbooks on the e-Pathshala application. This digital platform ensures that students can continue their studies without interruption even if printed copies have not yet reached them.
The minister emphasized that the combination of physical and digital availability would help bridge any temporary gaps in textbook access. He reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted learning for every student remains the top priority, and all necessary measures should be taken to achieve this objective.
The review comes at a crucial time when schools across the country are preparing for the new academic term, and timely availability of textbooks is essential for smooth classroom instruction.
