Kochi: The Kerala Books and Publications Society (KBPS) has completed the printing of 2,53,13,000 textbooks for the new academic year. The printing of the remaining 27,94,400 textbooks in the first volume will be completed next week.
The printed textbooks are now being taken to the textbook depots in various districts and from there to the school societies. More than half of the books have been distributed.
The KBPS had received the order for printing 4,82,01,200 textbooks in three volumes.
The printing of 75% of textbooks in the first volume had been completed before KBPS Managing Director IG P Vijayan demitted office.
The printing and binding of 85% of the textbooks could be completed as the staff worked day and night.
The printing could be completed on time because KBPS took its own funds to purchase paper without waiting for the Government funds to arrive. The unexpected shifting of IG P Vijayan from the post of MD during the printing process created a crisis.
The absence of a head to clear funds had hit the delivery of various articles, including ink, which negatively impacted the printing of lottery tickets as well. Schools will reopen early next month.