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Acute shortage of textbooks

MUHAMMAD RIAZ

LAHORE: The students were facing great hardships due to acute shortage of the textbooks in the market.

According to a survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Tuesday, the textbooks for Arabic, English, mathematics for Class-V, English, mathematics and Arabic for Class- VII, and mathematics for Class-VIII were not available in the market, despite beginning of the new academic year from April 1.

All the books for 9th and 10th classes were also not available in the market. The main reason for shortage was that the Punjab Textbook Board had not yet supplied most of these books. The traders, however, alleged that the board, in connivance with some potential and big booksellers, had created artificial shortage of these books in the market.

When contacted, Punjab Textbook Board Chairman Mohammad Athar Tahir told Business Recorder that the board has already supplied all books up to Class-VIII, while the books for 9th and 10th classes were likely to be supplied within next couple of days.

He alleged that the traders created shortage of books while they were levelling baseless allegations against the board.

He said for the first time, the board has reduced the prices of books by 15 percent, adding that quality of textbooks has been ensured as they are with hard and laminated cover to maintain their durability.

Earlier, some influential publishers were allowed printing of the books.

To ensure prompt supply of books, he said the board has set up three selling points, at Data Darbar near Muslim High School, Lower Mall and near St. Francis High School, wherefrom the booksellers can easily purchase textbooks according to their requirements. The board has deputed special staff to ensure prompt supply of books.