Ludhiana: Deficiency deficits hit government schools as new session begins

April 03, 2025 07:32 AM A dispute between Punjabi Sahit Akademi and the Punjab School Board on Rental Conditions and the maintenance of the board’s regional office in Punjabi Bhawan further delayed the distribution; As a result, many books are currently being stored at Government Senior Secondary School in Khanna government schools in the district with a serious shortage of textbooks as the new academic session begins, leaving thousands of students without essential study material. From the estimated requirement of 21 Lakh books, only 12.5 lakh has been received so far, which exacerbates the concern among educators about its impact on pupil and students enrollment. A dispute between Punjabi Sahit Akademi and Punjab School Education Board on lease conditions and the maintenance of the board’s regional office in Punjabi Bhawan further delayed the spread. (HT photo) An official of the Punjab School Education Board (Pseb) in Ludhiana confirmed that about 7.5 lakh books were spread across different blocks, but a significant deficit continues. The delay raised alarms among teachers, fearing that students will struggle to keep up with lessons. Tehal Singh Sarabha, secretary of the Government Schools Teachers Union, Punjab, emphasized the disadvantage of the government of government school pupils. “This is a major disadvantage during the enrollment season. While private schools ensure that books are available before the session starts, government schools are struggling to get textbooks for most subjects,” he said, adding that the books should be available by March as the academic year begins in April. The deficit is clear in various schools. Charanjeet Kaur Ahuja, principal of the government’s senior secondary school, Cemetery Road, said: “We only received a few books. Class 8 students have 14 subjects, but books are available for just two.” Vishwakirat Kahlon, principal of the School of Eminence, Model Town, said books are distributed as soon as they arrive. Some schools maintain bookbanks, but teachers say they do not fully address the issue. ‘Students prefer new books at the beginning of the session. Many people who challenge do not leave their books behind, making it difficult for teachers to keep lessons without proper study material, “a teacher said. A dispute between Punjabi Sahit Akademi and Punjab School Education Board on lease conditions and the maintenance of the board’s regional office in Punjabi Bhawan further delayed the spread. As a result, many books are currently being stored at Government Senior Secondary School in Khanna. Pseb Superintendent Manish Kumar has recognized the logistical challenge. “Books are first deposited in Khanna, and then transported here before sending it to different blocks. This additional step increased the load,” he said. Despite attempts to streamline the distribution, there are still gaps. Ramanjeet Singh, Block Officer of Mangat-1, said that nearly 60 to 70% of the books were received and distributed by March 17. ‘There are no books on the block level. Once they arrive, they are sent to the schools, ‘he assures. However, with the academic session already underway, many students manage without essential textbooks, raising concerns about their ability to keep up with lessons. Work letters given to 5.994 teachers in the state; 300 for city schools recruited Punjab 5.994 primary teachers, with 300 in Ludhiana. Ravinder Kaur, district education officer, said: “The appointments address our growing student numbers.” The selected candidates received presentation letters at the district education office.