Chandigarh, April 23 (IANS) 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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