Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
In a major relief for parents of children studying in private schools, the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab has announced a significant change in the supply of school textbooks. The move aims to curb arbitrary practices in the purchase of books and reduce the financial burden on families. From the academic session 2026-27, students studying in Classes 1 to 12 in private schools affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will receive their prescribed textbooks directly from the Board.
Under the new system, more than 10 lakh students enrolled in PSEB-affiliated private schools will be provided textbooks directly through the Board. The initiative is aimed at bringing greater transparency to the book-supply system while ensuring that parents do not have to depend on specific sources or vendors suggested by schools for purchasing textbooks.
One of the key benefits of the new arrangement will be a 15% discount on textbooks. This will provide direct financial relief to families, particularly those who face significant annual expenses on books and other educational materials for their children.
The direct supply system is also expected to reduce difficulties faced by parents regarding the prices and availability of textbooks. With PSEB taking responsibility for supplying the prescribed books, the process of distribution and availability can be monitored more effectively, making the system more transparent and accountable.
The move is being viewed as an important education reform aimed at ensuring that students receive their textbooks on time and that the cost of education becomes more manageable for families. By bringing the supply of textbooks under a direct Board-controlled mechanism, the government seeks to strengthen accountability and reduce unnecessary complications for parents.
The Bhagwant Mann government’s initiative reflects its broader focus on making education more accessible and affordable for students. While efforts are being made to improve infrastructure and facilities in schools, reducing the financial burden associated with education is also emerging as an important part of the reform agenda.
The new arrangement, which will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session, is expected to directly benefit more than 10 lakh students studying in Classes 1 to 12 in PSEB-affiliated private schools, along with their families across Punjab.
