The Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board (UPSEB) has ordered a special drive to inspect schools until April 15 to ensure that students purchase only authorized textbooks. UPSEB secretary Bhagwati Singh emphasized that this measure aims to provide high-quality educational materials at affordable prices, alleviating the financial burden on parents. The board has authorized three publishers: Pitambara Books Private Limited from Jhansi, Pioneer Printers from Agra, and Singhal Agencies from Lucknow, which together have published 82 textbooks for classes 9 to 12. Singh noted that unauthorized textbooks are being circulated in schools, often at prices 149% to 361% higher than the approved rates. Officials have been instructed to take strict action against institutions and sellers of unauthorized books, including legal measures in collaboration with law enforcement and tax authorities. Authorized textbooks feature a unique seven-digit serial number in fluorescent red ink for easy identification.