Books will be supplied directly by the board to students of private schools in Punjab: Harjot Singh Bains

In a student-centric move aimed at providing school education in a better and systematic manner in the state, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has introduced a major reform in the distribution of textbooks for private schools. From the academic session 2026-27, books for students from classes 1 to 12 studying in private schools affiliated to the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will be supplied directly by the board. This initiative will not only end the monopoly system of authorized agencies and shops selling books, but will also provide relief to the parents of the students.

Announcing this new reform, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that this decision will ensure timely availability of textbooks along with improving transparency, reducing expenses of families and reducing dependence on middlemen. Elaborating on the new system, Harjot Singh Bains said, “The schools will strictly ensure that no money is taken more than the printed price. This will only facilitate the distribution of books and not a means of raising revenue. This will benefit more than 10 lakh students of private schools.”

Talking about the Punjab Government’s initiative focused on accessible and affordable education, the Education Minister said that the 15% discount, which was earlier given to book sellers, will now be given directly to the students through schools. While this step is expected to reduce the financial burden on families, it will also bring more accountability in the system.

Explaining this in detail, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that P.S.E.B. has also created a dedicated e-commerce portal to streamline the process. Students will be able to submit demands related to textbooks through mobile application or online portal, while schools will be able to upload class-wise and subject-wise requirements in digital form. He further said, “Each student will be provided with individual login credentials, so that parents can directly book orders if required.”

Board Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh said that the portal has been linked to a secure online payment gateway to ensure easy, transparent and efficient transactions. He said that this system has been specially designed to eliminate any scope for overcharging and maintain complete transparency during the entire process.

He said that based on the orders received, bundles of textbooks will be prepared by the regional offices of the board, so that timely delivery to schools and students can be done. Schools will have to submit an undertaking confirming that strict adherence to the new policy is being ensured and no extra amount will be charged over and above the prescribed price.