Time-bound delivery of textbooks to govt schools mandatory: Edu Min

Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda has said the state government had implemented a time-bound policy for the delivery of textbooks to government schools, and introduced a penalty provision for any delay or negligence in the process.

The move was aimed at improving the quality of education, and ensuring that students had access to textbooks from the very first day of the academic session, he added.

Speaking at an event at Dhanna Bhagat Public School, Kurukshetra, on the occasion of Bhagat Dhanna Jat’s birth anniversary, Dhanda said, “This year, the number of admissions in government schools has increased as compared to the previous year. The government has already ensured the delivery of textbooks to schools before the commencement of classes. A strict deadline was fixed for the distribution of books, and in case of any lapse, penalties will be imposed.”

He said, out of the 14.14 lakh textbook sets to be distributed across the state, nearly 12 lakh (85 per cent) had already been delivered to schools.

“I am satisfied with the progress. If the remaining books are not delivered on time, the penalty clause will be enforced,” Dhanda said.

The minister said this would contribute to the enhancement of the quality of education in government schools.

Taking a jibe at the Opposition, Dhanda said, “The Opposition keeps spreading misinformation that books are not available in schools. The truth is, textbooks were made available before classes began. During their tenure, students were often left without books for six-eight months, and, in some cases, the entire session passed without textbooks.”

Dhanda said government schools were accepting admissions till April 30, and the increase in enrolments was a positive reflection of the growing trust in government education.

Earlier, Dhanda paid floral tributes to the statue of Bhagat Dhanna Jat with former Minister of State Subhash Sudha. Speaking about Bhagat Dhanna, the minister said, “He was a saint who attained direct communion with God. He proved that devotion has the power to bring life into stone. Great personalities like him are not confined to any one community and should be followed by all.”