1 week ago
Karnataka Private Schools Face Textbook Shortage as Supply Delays
Many private schools in Karnataka are still waiting for some textbooks.
The schools ordered books before the school year began and paid for them in advance.
The first orders were based on how many students attended the schools the previous year.
After classes started, some schools admitted more students and needed extra books.
The extra ordering process, called the second indent, has not started as expected.
Because of this, some children must share books or use photocopies.
School groups want unused books moved from schools with fewer students to schools with more students.
They are also asking the government to allow schools to buy books elsewhere if the delay continues.
Several Karnataka private aided and unaided schools have not received textbooks for all subjects two months into the academic year.
Schools paid in advance for initial textbook orders based on previous-year enrolment figures.
Higher-than-expected admissions have left some schools without enough books for newly enrolled students.
Some students are sharing textbooks or using photocopies while schools await supplies.
School associations have sought redistribution of surplus books, immediate second orders, and permission to buy from the open market.
- Who
- Private aided and unaided schools, students, parents, school associations, and education officials in Karnataka.
- What
- Schools are facing shortages of government-supplied textbooks, forcing some students to share books or use photocopies.
- Where
- Karnataka, with the report citing concerns among schools in Bengaluru.
- When
- The academic year was already two months old; the second textbook indent expected in June had not yet begun.
- Why
- Initial orders were based on previous-year enrolment, while later changes in admissions created demand for additional books that have not yet been supplied.
School Associations’ Requests
Current Distribution Process
How to address shortages
School Associations’ Requests
School associations want surplus textbooks redistributed between schools, the second indent started immediately, and open-market purchases permitted if necessary.
Current Distribution Process
The existing process relies on the Karnataka Textbook Society completing pending supplies, while the second indent has not yet begun.
Responsibility to parents
School Associations’ Requests
School representatives say schools should not have to make parents wait after collecting textbook charges in advance.
Current Distribution Process
No response from the education authorities or textbook supplier to these concerns is provided in the article.
Key facts
- Initial indent
- Textbook requirements were invited in January based on enrolment from the previous academic year.
- Payment
- Schools submitted their requirements and paid the prescribed amount in advance.
- Delayed process
- The second indent, expected to be called in June, had not been initiated.
- Impact on students
- Some students are sharing textbooks or using photocopies.
- Proposed redistribution
- Associations want unused books transferred from schools with lower enrolment to schools facing shortages.
- Tracking tool
- Student Achievement Tracking System enrolment data could help identify shortages and surpluses.
- Requested alternative
- School associations want private schools allowed to buy textbooks from the open market if distribution remains delayed.
Quotes
D Shashikumar
General secretary of the Karnataka Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools
“schools were finding it difficult to manage classes in the absence of adequate textbooks. He said students were being asked to share books or use photocopies until the shortage was resolved.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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