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Punjab Govt to Supply School Books Directly in Private Schools

The Punjab government has introduced a major reform in textbook distribution for private schools affiliated with PSEB. From this academic session, PSEB will directly supply books to students from Class I to XII, ending the monopoly of authorized agencies and bookshops. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that the 15% discount previously given to book sellers will now directly benefit students. A dedicated e-commerce portal has been developed to streamline the process, allowing parents to place orders directly.

Key Points: Punjab Govt Directly Supplies School Books in Private Schools

  • PSEB to directly supply books to Class I-XII students in private schools
  • Ends monopoly of authorized agencies and bookshops
  • 15% discount to directly benefit students
  • Dedicated e-commerce portal and mobile app for orders
2 min read

Punjab govt to supply schoolbooks in PSEB-affiliated private schools

Punjab govt reforms textbook distribution: PSEB to supply books directly to private school students, ending middlemen monopoly, ensuring 15% discount.

"This will benefit more than 10 lakh students of private schools. - Harjot Singh Bains"

Chandigarh, April 23

In a student-centric move aimed at reshaping school education delivery, the Punjab government has introduced a major reform in textbook distribution for private schools.

From this academic session, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will directly supply books to every Class I to XII student studying in PSEB-affiliated private schools, ending the long-standing monopoly of authorised agencies and bookshops.

Announcing the reform, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Thursday underlined that the decision is designed to improve transparency, reduce costs for families, and ensure the timely availability of textbooks without dependence on intermediaries.

"Schools will strictly ensure that no amount beyond the discounted printed bill price is charged. They will only facilitate distribution without generating any revenue. This will benefit more than 10 lakh students of private schools," an official statement quoting Bains said.

The Education Minister highlighted that the 15 per cent discount, which was earlier extended to book sellers, will now directly benefit students through schools. The step is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on families while bringing greater accountability into the system.

Elaborating on the operational framework, Minister Bains informed that the PSEB has developed a dedicated e-commerce portal to streamline the process. Students will be able to place textbook demands through a mobile application or the online portal, while schools will upload class-wise and subject-wise requirements digitally.

"Each student will be provided with individual login credentials, enabling parents to place orders directly if required," he added.

PSEB Chairman Amarpal Singh said a portal has been integrated with a secure online payment gateway to ensure transparent and efficient transactions. He said the system has been specifically designed to eliminate any scope for overcharging and to maintain complete transparency throughout the process.

He said based on the orders received, PSEB's regional offices will prepare textbook bundles for timely collection by schools and students. Schools will also be required to submit an undertaking confirming that no additional charges will be levied beyond the prescribed discounted price, ensuring strict compliance with the new policy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Good initiative but I worry about implementation. In rural areas, internet connectivity is still a problem. How will parents without smartphones place orders? Hope the government has a backup plan for such families.
R
Rajesh Q
Finally some relief from the textbook mafia! Every year we used to struggle with overpriced books and last-minute availability issues. PSEB should replicate this model for government schools too. Well done Minister Bains ji.
M
Michael C
As someone who studied in a private PSEB school, I remember the chaos every year with book distribution. This digital portal and direct supply sound promising, but the proof will be in the execution. Hope the schools cooperate and don't create new excuses to charge extra.
K
Kavya N
Very progressive decision! As a parent of two school-going children, the financial burden of textbooks every year was significant. Individual login for parents is a thoughtful touch. Will this also cover other educational materials like notebooks and stationery? That would be even better.
J
Justin A
Impressive transparency measures. The requirement for schools to submit an undertaking about no extra charges is critical. However, I'm skeptical about the e-commerce portal's reliability on day one. Government portals often crash under heavy traffic. Hope PSEB has done proper load testing.
P
Pooja D

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