The curious case of ‘missing’ textbooks

Textbooks such as Computer Learning Book by Vishvas Publication for Class VI to X,being introduced for the first time,are not available in the market. A recee of various book stores in Sector 18,19,23 supplying textbooks to government schools drew a blank as no one knew when they will be in circulation.

Though the process of finalising books for the curriculum usually starts by November and the list is out by the second week of March,the department this year released the list in the first week of April.

“Since results are declared by March 31,the list of books should be ready with schools by then so that parents are able to purchase the books in time. There was hardly any delay in the procedure earlier. For the last few years,however,students get to know of the books prescribed only in April. The worst is that most of the publishers do not have their stock ready which causes a loss of studies,” said a bookseller in Sector 18.  

Hindi grammar books for Class VI to X are also not available in the market. With more than four different publishers to provide textbooks on the subject,booksellers as well as teachers have raised question marks over the selection procedure.

“There are never more than two publishers for a particular book. It is sounds foolish that so many publishers have been brought in the fray this year. It seems more an act to please everyone due to lack of consensus,” complained another bookseller. Six publishers have been roped in this time.

The main argument teachers have against introducing different publishers is the lack of consistency by studying books by different authors. 

Sources also claim that the department has given preference to Vishvas Publications and ignored the other “better” publishers. They also said that this was due to the ‘favours’ that the publishing house was doing for the department.

Refuting allegations,Director Public Instructions (Schools) Samwartak Singh said the books were shortlisted after much scrutiny of different publishers. He also said that since there was no feedback from the publishing house,the department could not ensure by when the books would be available.

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