Kakkanad (Kochi): The reprinting of 13 lakh textbooks in Kerala has caused a loss of at least Rs 1 crore to the state exchequer.
The books were reprinted as the original ones, printed last year as additional stock, carried the name of the then State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director who has since been changed.
The printing was done at the Kerala Books and Publications Society (KPBS).
The 13 lakh books in extra stock were to be distributed this year. However, with the SCERT appointing a new director as the new academic year started, it was decided that the books carrying the name of his predecessor should not be distributed.
Primary estimates put the loss at Rs1.03 crore and a high-level probe is on into the incident.
Textbooks were being printed in two volumes until the last academic year. From this year, it was decided to print in three volumes. The KPBS explains that the reprinting was carried out since a three-volume plan was in force. However, the new order has been enforced in the case of only 60 percent of the books to be distributed. The rest of the books are being printed in two volumes only.
KPBS ignored government order
The department of education says the Rs1.3 crore text books lying at KPBS from old stock were printed without a government order and hence it is not responsible for the loss incurred.
The Child Rights Commission insists that the textbooks should not exceed 60 pages. The government had decided to print text books in three parts. However, before the decision came, KPBS printed a number of copies in the old two-volume pattern.
The education minister then proposed that books with less than 60 pages be distributed and the rest be republished into two volumes. The KPBS then raised technical objections and refused to comply.
The department explains it was not worried about the name of the director but was concerned of the Child Rights Commission's orders.
The minister has ordered that names of SCERT director and other individuals should not be carried on textbooks hereafter.