NCTB detects 6 reasons for delays in textbook distribution

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has attributed the delay in textbook distribution this year to a lack of expected cooperation from printing industry stakeholders and related organizations.

Officials from NCTB explained that the inclusion of new topics, changes in secondary-level curriculum divisions, and the reintroduction of the 2012 curriculum have significantly increased the number of textbooks required. This year, over nine crore (90 million) additional textbooks need to be printed compared to the previous year.

For the first time in 15 years, all primary and secondary-level textbooks are being printed locally. From 2010 to 2024, a large portion of textbooks were printed in India. However, this year, no printing contracts were given to Indian printers, which increased the burden on domestic printing houses.

NCTB officials alleged that despite the need for collective efforts during this critical time, they did not receive adequate support from the Printing Industries Association and other ancillary offices.

Former NCTB Chairman, Professor AKM Riazul Hasan, identified six key challenges in the printing process this year, which contributed to the delays in textbook distribution. According to him, the primary issue was time constraints. Other problems included insufficient assessment of printing capacity, a significant increase in textbook volume compared to last year, lack of support from banks, uncooperative printing houses, unrealistic profit expectations, maintaining strict quality standards, and issues arising from retendering processes.

During a discussion on January 23, Professor Riazul elaborated, “Time was our biggest challenge. In previous years, tenders were completed, and printing began earlier in the year. However, this year, delays occurred due to the July protests and the formation of a revision committee in September. It wasn’t until early November that we received the finalized copies ready for printing.”

He added, “The additional pressure of printing new textbooks for Class 10 students for the first time also contributed to the delays.”

Professor Riazul noted that the printing houses failed to provide maximum support. “We anticipated more cooperation from them, but instead, we had to extend support to ensure timely completion of the work. When printers collectively estimated they could produce 1.42 crore (14.2 million) textbooks daily, we scheduled delivery accordingly, targeting the completion of printing and binding by the first week of January. However, in reality, only 48.48 lakh (4.848 million) textbooks are being printed daily.”

He admitted that the limited time available this year prevented a thorough evaluation of the printers’ capacities. “Had these issues been addressed, we could have ensured the timely delivery of textbooks to students. Additionally, the printers faced challenges in sourcing raw materials like paper and other supplies, for which we had to negotiate with banks and assist in the import of art card paper.”

According to SM Riaz Rashid, advisor to the Union Associates, which imports art card paper, they usually collaborate directly with printers. This year, however, they worked with the government under special circumstances and are currently awaiting the clearance of imported materials.

Professor Riazul also accused some printers of prioritizing profits over national needs. “In some cases, low-quality paper was used, and there are allegations of deliberate delays in printing to later use substandard materials, taking advantage of the situation,” he said.

NCTB’s Chief Editor, Muhammad Fatihul Kadir, confirmed that two textbooks, including one for Class 4, were rejected due to poor quality and sent back for reprinting.

An anonymous member of the printing industry revealed that government orders are a major source of income for printing houses, and many aim to maximize profits by delaying the printing process or compromising on quality. “This year, the government’s strict stance has made the difference,” the source said.

To address inefficiencies, NCTB has reduced work orders for underperforming printers and assigned additional work to those meeting deadlines.

Although there are speculations that it may take until March to complete the distribution of textbooks, Professor Riazul is optimistic. “We aim to distribute all textbooks by February 25, with all books expected to be ready for delivery by February 20,” he said.

This year, NCTB plans to print 30.96 crore (309.6 million) textbooks for secondary levels and 9.19 crore (91.95 million) for pre-primary and primary levels, totaling 40.15 crore (401.56 million) textbooks. In 2024, the total volume of textbooks printed was 30.70 crore (307 million).

As of January 22, NCTB reported that 11.03 crore (110.3 million) textbooks for secondary levels and 7.20 crore (72 million) for pre-primary and primary levels had been printed.

Professor Riazul highlighted the plight of Class 10 students, who will face exams under a new syllabus after only one year of study. “We need approximately 6 crore (60 million) textbooks for Class 10, of which 4 crore (40 million) have already been distributed,” he stated.

He added, “By February 5, we expect to complete the distribution of textbooks for Class 9, which will reduce the pressure on printers. Secondary-level textbooks require more printing forms (47) compared to other levels (17 at most).”

To accelerate the process, printers with three machines have been tasked with printing textbooks for Classes 4 and 5, while those with five machines are handling two sections simultaneously.

Despite the challenges, NCTB remains determined to meet its February 25 deadline for textbook distribution to all students.