Kerala Faces Textbook Distribution Delays Due to Paper Shortage Ahead of New Academic Year
Kerala school textbook delay feared as paper shortage hits printing; union flags crunch
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
In Kerala, a paper shortage threatens the timely distribution of textbooks for government-run schools just three weeks before the new academic year begins. K K Ibrahimkutty, president of the Kerala Books and Publications Society staff union, warns that only 70% of the books are ready, with binding halted due to insufficient paper.
- 01Textbook distribution for Kerala's government schools is at risk due to a paper shortage.
- 02Only 70% of the required textbooks are ready, with binding work on hold.
- 03The previous General Education Minister promised timely distribution, but the situation remains unresolved.
- 04The incoming government may face a financial burden exceeding ₹300 crore (approximately $36 million USD).
- 05Urgent intervention is needed to ensure students receive their textbooks on time.
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In Kerala, India, the timely distribution of textbooks for government-run schools is jeopardized by a significant paper shortage, just three weeks before the new academic year starts. K K Ibrahimkutty, president of the Kerala Books and Publications Society (KBPS) staff union, stated that only 70% of the textbooks are ready, with binding work stalled due to the lack of paper for printing front covers. Ibrahimkutty highlighted that the previous General Education Minister, V Sivankutty, had assured that all textbooks would be distributed before the end of the 2025-26 academic year, but only 20% of the books were prepared at that time. He expressed concerns that even if paper becomes available, it would be challenging to ensure that students receive their textbooks before schools reopen. The incoming government may have to address a financial burden exceeding ₹300 crore (approximately $36 million USD). This situation underscores the need for urgent intervention to avoid further delays in textbook distribution.
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The textbook shortage could disrupt the education of students in government-run schools, delaying their learning process at the start of the new academic year.
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