Agra: The students of government-run primary and upper primary schools in Agra are without textbooks for the last five months.
Despite the new academic session beginning on April 1 for government-run primary schools, the education department has still not been able to supply books to students of the district’s primary (classes I to V) and upper primary (class VI to VII) classes. Around 15 per cent students have been supplied books of select subjects.
Asked about the delay in supplying books, officials present a standard answer — COVID-19.
Going by the basic education department records, about 2.48 students are registered in the Agra district’s primary and upper primary schools. Based on that, about 15 lakh books were ordered.
The state government set a deadline of April 30 for the department authorities and publishers to ensure the distribution of books among students. The latter, however, failed to meet the deadline leaving the students to suffer.
“Textbooks required for the current session have not been supplied to schools so far. Around 225 government-run English medium schools have not received even a single book. This is resulting in learning loss, with students losing interest in studies. Basic education department officials have been apprised of the situation,” District president of primary teachers’ association, Brajesh Dixit was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Additional director (basic education), Mahesh Chand though assured the school authorities of doing the needful. “Distribution of books is in progress and will be completed by the end of this month. Schools have been asked to provide details of books that they haven’t got. The delay is because of Covid-19,” Chand said.
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