Govt-publishers dispute leads to textbook shortage in KP

Irshadullah Khan Khan 

PESHAWAR: Despite the provincial government’s promise to provide free textbooks to students on time, the process has been delayed due to a dispute between the KP Textbook Board and publishers, causing immense hardship for students and their parents.

The textbook board had directed the publishers to print 64pc of the total books by March 31, but the publishers demanded payment for the remaining 36pc of books before proceeding with the printing process. This has resulted in a delay in the provision of textbooks to students.

Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had announced that it would provide free textbooks to students from grade 1 to 12, but the process has been marred by delays and controversies. Last year, the government had decided to use old textbooks along with new ones, but the old books are in poor condition and not suitable for use.

The delay in the provision of textbooks has affected students, who are without books for the current academic year. Parents and teachers are also concerned about the situation, which has led to protests and demands for the government to take action. The parents demanded that the government provide new textbooks to their children as soon as possible. The old books are in poor condition and not suitable for use.

Secretary Education Masood Khan contacted the Finance Department to resolve the issue and ensure the provision of textbooks to students.

Meanwhile, sources said a petition will be filed in court seeking the provision of new textbooks to students across the province.

Parents of affected children told chitral Today taking the Textbook Board to court over substandard and incomplete textbooks.

Despite the government’s promise of free textbooks, students have been left without new books due to delays and controversies. We have no option but to approach the court as our children’s education is being affected,” parents said.

They stated the government’s promise of free textbooks had been marred by delays and controversies while private schools had increased prices, burdening parents.

Parents are seeking new textbooks and action against private schools charging exorbitant prices. Thousands of students are affected, and the situation will worsen without immediate government action.