SRINAGAR: The Chairman of the JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE) rebutted claims made by Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo regarding the unavailability of textbooks in the market, asserting that the board has successfully distributed textbooks worth crores of rupees.
JKBOSE Chairman Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas stated that the distribution of textbooks was already underway. This statement comes just days after the Education Minister acknowledged a shortage of books and assured that students would receive them by the end of the winter vacation. The Director of School Education Kashmir also stated that textbooks were expected to be available by January 31, 2025.
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Contrary to these claims, Prof. Manhas emphasised that the distribution process is proceeding smoothly.
“The board is always here to serve our children. Every day, loaded trucks carrying textbooks arrive in Srinagar. There is no shortage,” he said. He added that within the past week, textbooks worth approximately Rs 3 crore had been distributed, including Rs 15 lakh worth in a single day.
“If there are issues, let booksellers approach me. But I believe students already have books in their hands,” he asserted.
Prof. Manhas also highlighted that students from Classes 1 to 8 receive textbooks free of cost upon presenting Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards.
Reacting to complaints of shortages, he said, “I don’t know who claims there is a shortage of books when I receive loaded trucks of textbooks every day.”
However, contrary to the Chairman’s claims, parents and teachers have expressed frustration over the non-availability of books. A teacher from Government High School Kulgam stated, “We haven’t received textbooks so far. We’ve been told to wait for another week.”
A parent from Budgam, Mir Muzzafar said, “It’s vacation time, but children should have received books to keep up with their studies. Unfortunately, books are not available.”
Another teacher from a primary school in Budgam, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared similar concerns. “Despite repeated requests, we’ve been told to wait. It seems textbooks will only be available by the end of February when schools reopen post-winter vacation.”
Parents like Muneeb Nazeer from Kulgam echoed these frustrations. “A month has passed, and children should have books to study during the break. Why didn’t JKBOSE stock textbooks earlier, before exams?” he asked. (JKNS)