Chandigarh Government School Students Start Academic Year Without Textbooks
Over 35,000 Chandigarh govt school students start new session without textbooks, but photocopies of chapters
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Over 35,000 students in 117 government schools in Chandigarh are starting the new academic year relying on photocopies instead of textbooks due to delays in their arrival. The Union Territory administration's recent decision to provide free textbooks up to Class 12 has contributed to this issue, with ₹4 crore allocated for procurement.
- 01More than 35,000 students are affected by the textbook shortage.
- 02The decision to provide free textbooks up to Class 12 was announced last year.
- 03Students currently rely on photocopies and digital printouts.
- 04₹4 crore has been allocated for the procurement of textbooks.
- 05Classes 9 and 10 have started, while classes 11 and 12 are yet to begin.
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In Chandigarh, more than 35,000 students from 117 government schools are beginning the academic year without textbooks, relying instead on photocopies and digital printouts of chapters. This situation arises from a delay in the arrival of textbooks following a decision by the Union Territory administration to extend the provision of free textbooks up to Class 12, a change from the previous policy that only covered students up to Class 8. Director of School Education Nitish Singla confirmed that the hard copies of chapters have been distributed temporarily, and the textbooks are expected to arrive soon. The administration has allocated ₹4 crore for this initiative, which aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families. While classes 9 and 10 have commenced, classes 11 and 12 are still pending start dates due to the ongoing textbook shortage.
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The lack of textbooks may hinder students' learning and academic performance at the start of the year.
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