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Saturday, November 15, 2025 12:37 PM

Quality Education

Over 4.7 Lakh Pirated NCERT Books Seized Since 2024, Says Education Ministry

In a significant crackdown on textbook piracy, the Ministry of Education revealed that over 4.7 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks have been confiscated across India since 2024. This update was shared in a written response by Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, during a Rajya Sabha session on Wednesday. “Reports of NCERT textbook piracy have emerged from various parts of the country. From 2024 to 2025, enforcement teams seized around 4.71 lakh counterfeit books in multiple operations carried out in different states,” said Chaudhary. He emphasized that piracy is largely driven by the profit motives of unauthorized operators. NCERT’s mission, Chaudhary reiterated, is to provide high-quality educational resources at minimal cost to students across India, functioning on a no-profit, no-loss model. Highlighting recent efforts to combat the menace, he informed that in the past year alone, NCERT conducted raids on 29 locations linked to the production and distribution of pirated books. These included premises using unauthorized NCERT watermarked paper and illegal printing setups. Assets and equipment worth over ₹20 crore were seized during these raids. To address the root causes of piracy, several measures have been implemented, including a 20% price cut on textbooks, improved paper and print quality with advanced machinery, faster and timely textbook production, and expanded online availability through e-commerce channels. In a tech-driven approach, NCERT also tested an innovative anti-piracy mechanism—developed and patented by IIT Kanpur—on one million copies of a Class 6 textbook, aiming to deter counterfeit reproduction through secure tracking technology. Source: PTI Image Credit: iStock  

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Himachal CM Sukhu Announces Rs. 1000 for Girl Students, Focuses on Education Reform on Balika Diwas

Dharamshala, January 25: Marking the occasion of Balika Diwas, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dharamshala and announced a financial incentive of Rs. 1000 for each of the 351 girl students enrolled at the school. The move underscores the state government’s commitment to empowering girls and enhancing the education system. Addressing the students, CM Sukhu shared his personal experience as a government school student and acknowledged the confidence gap often faced by students from such institutions. He assured that the government is working diligently to bridge this gap, promising that no child in the state would be deprived of quality education. He also announced that the government has taken several measures, including filling vacant teaching posts, promoting deputy directors to address long-pending issues, and organizing exposure visits for both teachers and students. Furthermore, 50 meritorious students will soon be sent abroad as part of an initiative to motivate young minds and broaden their perspectives. Education Minister Rohit Thakur reiterated the government’s dedication to improving education quality across the state. Other dignitaries, including Agriculture Minister Professor Chander Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, and Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, were present during the event. The Chief Minister also visited the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Dharamshala to review available facilities and address the needs of the students. This initiative reflects the state’s mission to empower young girls and reform the education sector, fostering an environment of growth and opportunity for future generations. Source: ANI

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Punjab Government Proposes ₹3,000 Crore Action Plan for Samagra Shiksha Program

The Punjab government has presented a comprehensive ₹3,000-crore action plan under the Samagra Shiksha program. This flagship centrally sponsored initiative for school education aims to address various facets, including quality education, access and retention, and vocational education. The proposed budget spans the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, with an annual allocation of ₹1,476 crore for each year. This marks a commendable 14% increase compared to the current year’s budget. The Samagra Shiksha program operates on a joint funding model, with the central and state governments contributing on a 60:40 sharing basis, emphasizing their commitment to transforming the education landscape. Outlined in the action plan are specific allocations for key areas of focus. An earmarked ₹503 crore is dedicated to initiatives and interventions related to quality education, emphasizing the importance of an enriched learning experience. Additionally, ₹225 crore has been allocated for measures addressing access and retention, ensuring that more students can benefit from an inclusive education system. Another significant chunk of ₹188 crore is set aside for the promotion and implementation of vocational education, equipping students with practical skills for the future. The proposed initiatives include the construction of new classrooms and toilets, improved drinking water facilities, the promotion of commerce and science education, teacher training, digital initiatives, strengthening school libraries, and the installation of solar panels. Furthermore, the plan envisions introducing vocational education in all high and senior secondary schools, reflecting a forward-looking approach to skill development. The Samagra Shiksha Project Approval Board, led by Union school education and literacy secretary Sanjay Kumar, will review the budget proposals in the upcoming month. The central government’s share of ₹886 crore, coupled with the state government’s commitment of ₹590 crore, underscores the collaborative effort to create a robust educational framework.

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