Education Ministry introduces new measures to streamline school textbook distribution

The Ministry of Education has introduced a series of new technological measures aimed at improving the procurement, warehouse management, distribution, and inventory control of school textbooks.The new initiatives were revealed during a recent meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), which reviewed the Auditor General's reports for 2021 and 2024 on the Department of Educational Publications, along with its current performance.Officials informed the committee that, from 2024, a new computerized data management system has been introduced to obtain real-time information from all schools on student enrolment, existing textbook stocks, and reusable textbooks.The Ministry has also launched a networked system for textbook sales outlets, introduced secure access through username and password authentication, implemented structured quality assurance mechanisms, and commenced upgrading the e-Thaksalawa platform with artificial intelligence (AI) technology.According to ministry officials, these measures are expected to minimize errors and financial irregularities while enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the overall textbook supply process.During the meeting, COPA also reviewed several longstanding issues related to textbook printing, distribution, and financial management. These included the accumulation of excess textbook stocks and increased transportation costs caused by inaccurate estimates of textbook requirements in previous years.The committee was further informed that authorities have so far been unable to trace the printing company and its directors involved in a court case concerning an alleged financial irregularity of nearly Rs. 212 million related to school textbook printing in 2002.However, investigations into the incident are currently being carried out by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), while disciplinary action has already been taken against the responsible officials.COPA also drew attention to delays in legal action to recover compensation from a printing company that failed to deliver textbooks within the stipulated timeframe in 2006.