The Gujarat Congress on Wednesday alleged that lakhs of students in government schools have been deprived of free textbooks even 10 days after the commencement of the new academic year, raising questions over the state government's planning and distribution system.
Schools across Gujarat reopened on June 6, and textbooks are generally expected to be available before the start of the academic session to ensure regular teaching from the first day. However, Congress claimed that free textbooks for students of Classes 9 and 11 have not reached several government schools, forcing students to continue their studies without books.
Congress spokesperson Hemang Raval alleged that, as per documents and information related to textbook distribution, the printing of free textbooks for Classes 9 to 12 was incomplete till June 16, 2026. He claimed that out of 208 distribution routes across the state, books have been dispatched only through 15 routes, while distribution through the remaining 193 routes is yet to take place.
Raval further claimed that textbooks are unavailable at more than 400 distribution centres across Gujarat. Citing sources from the Gujarat State School Textbook Board, he alleged that printing of textbooks meant for free distribution has not been completed.
"The issue is not limited to delay in distribution. It raises serious questions about the planning, procurement, printing and supply process," Raval said, alleging negligence and irregularities in the entire system.
He also questioned why textbooks are available for purchase in the market while students of government schools, who are supposed to receive them free of cost, are still waiting. "Books printed for sale have reached the market on time, but textbooks meant for free distribution to government school students are unavailable," he alleged.
Targeting the state government's claims of improving the education system, Raval said that while the government talks about bringing major reforms in education, it has failed to ensure the timely availability of the most basic requirement for students - textbooks.
The Congress demanded an explanation from the state government, the Education Department and the Gujarat State School Textbook Board on the delay. It has sought answers on why distribution was completed on only 15 of the 208 routes, why books are unavailable at more than 400 centres, whether printing of free textbooks has been completed, and what action will be taken against officials responsible for the delay.