NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reviewed the production and distribution process for National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, issuing directives to ensure timely availability for students across the country, particularly in rural areas.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the meeting was attended by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Education and NCERT. The review focused on the current academic session’s textbook stock, printing schedules, and last-mile delivery mechanisms.
The ministry stated that Pradhan assessed the stock positions of upcoming NCERT textbooks in various states and Union Territories. He also examined the coordination efforts with state authorities and distribution agencies to guarantee that physical copies of textbooks reach students without delay. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring accessibility in remote and rural educational institutions.
The Union Minister underscored the importance of uninterrupted learning for every student and directed officials to proactively address any potential bottlenecks in the supply chain. Measures to augment printing capacity were considered, where necessary, to meet demand. Furthermore, he stressed the need for close monitoring of the distribution network to confirm that textbooks are delivered efficiently to all intended recipients.
In addition to physical textbooks, Pradhan highlighted the availability of digital versions through the e-Pathshala platform. This initiative serves as an interim solution to support learning continuity, ensuring that students have access to educational materials while awaiting the physical distribution of books, especially in instances where there might be delays.
The Chenab Times News Desk