Shortage of textbooks roils Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 24: In a significant policy shift this year, the J & K Government reversed the academic calendar, mandating that all school examinations be concluded in November-December instead of March. While the exams were successfully completed and students promoted to the next classes, a major issue has surfaced: textbooks are unavailable in the market, leaving students and parents in a bind.

Issue will be resolved soon, the Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo, said.

This situation is particularly dire for students in Classes 10 and 12, who face crucial board examinations in the upcoming year. Winter break is traditionally a critical time for academic preparation, with many students attending coaching classes to strengthen their understanding of core subjects. Without access to the prescribed textbooks, students and teachers are struggling to maintain continuity in education.

Parents expressed their frustration, stating that they cannot even rely on older textbooks as an interim solution. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has revised the syllabus and introduced new textbooks, rendering older editions obsolete.

“We had hoped to purchase second-hand books for our children to tide over the shortage, but that’s not an option this year,” said Shabir Ahmad, a parent in Srinagar. “The winter months are essential for studies, and this delay is wasting valuable time.”

Many booksellers that Greater Kashmir spoke to said they were equally in the dark about when the new textbooks will arrive. Many reported that they are yet to receive shipments from publishers. “We’re waiting for the books, but there’s no clarity on when they’ll be available,” said a bookseller in Lal Chowk, Srinagar. “This delay is unprecedented but understood. Yet it is affecting everyone.” Another bookseller said that some books had arrived but the quantity was inadequate. “Not just JKBOSE, all other books are in shortage,” he said.

Teachers and education experts have also voiced concerns about the impact of the textbook shortage on the quality of education. “While the change in the academic calendar was implemented smoothly, the lack of preparation for ensuring textbook availability must be addressed on priority,” said a senior school principal who wished to remain anonymous. “Students promoted to new classes need these resources to build a foundation for the year ahead.”

As an interim measure, the government recently made soft copies of the textbooks available on its official website. Minister of Education, Social Welfare and Health and Medical Education, Sakina Masood, has assured that physical textbooks will be distributed "soon." She explained that publishing orders were placed based on requisitions received from Chief Education Officers (CEOs), and some titles have already been delivered.

However, the issue of delayed textbook distribution is not new and has been a recurring challenge for school education in recent years. Beginning 2024, text books were delayed by months having a gross impact on education, especially for the underprivileged students.