This year schoolchildren will not have to wait for their textbooks to arrive even after the reopening of the schools as the Department of General Education has successfully initiated the distribution of textbooks well ahead of the reopening of the schools in June.
“The results of all classes, except class 10, will be announced on May 2 and the students can collect their textbooks before the school reopens. The distribution of textbooks has been completed in nine districts, and we have achieved 90 per cent completion in the remaining districts,” said A. Shajahan, Director of Public Instruction.
“The distribution of textbooks to these districts will be completed by May 20,” he added.
ADVERTISEMENT
3.9 crore books
About 3.9 crore books under 226 titles are required for the next academic year.
The textbooks have been divided into two volumes and the first volume, covering the syllabus till November, comprising 1.3 crore books is being printed and distributed in association with the Kerala Books and Publication Society (KBPS) and the Department of Posts, Government of India.
ADVERTISEMENT
The distribution of the first set of books across the 14 districts had begun as early as February 15 this year.
Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Idukki and Kasaragod are the remaining districts where the distribution is expected to be completed by May 20.
The second volume of 2.6 crore books will be distributed in November.
'Printing over'
According to Mr. Shajahan, the printing work has been completed and the books will be distributed through the school societies to the headmasters of each school. Books are distributed to 12,102 schools through 3,325 school societies between February and April.
To determine the number of books required, the schools in the State have been included in 3,325 cluster groups under 37 hubs.
Online submission
Each of the cluster society in turn submits online the necessary details regarding the required number and types of books to KBPS. Based on the information, the books are being distributed to the schools with the help of education officers in the respective region.