Pb ends monopoly in textbook distribution; PSEB to supply books directly to pvt school students

Mohali: The Punjab govt has introduced a major reform in textbook distribution for private schools. From 2026-27 academic session, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will directly supply books to the students of classes I to XII studying in PSEB-affiliated private schools, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of authorised agencies and bookshops.Announcing the reform, Punjab education minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was designed to improve transparency, reduce costs for families, and ensure timely availability of textbooks without dependence on intermediaries. "The schools will strictly ensure that no amount beyond the discounted printed bill price is charged. They will only facilitate distribution without generating any revenue. This will benefit more than 10 lakh students," he said. Reaffirming the Punjab govt's focus on accessible and cost-effective education, the minister highlighted that the 15% discount, which was earlier extended to the booksellers, would now directly benefit students through schools. The move is expected to ease financial burden on families while bringing greater accountability into the system. Elaborating on the operational framework, Bains said the school eduction board had developed a dedicated e-commerce portal to streamline the process. The students will be able to place textbook demands through a mobile application or online portal, while the schools will upload class-wise and subject-wise requirements digitally. "Each student will be provided with individual login credentials, enabling parents to place orders directly, if required," he added. PSEB chairman Dr Amarpal Singh said the portal had been integrated with a secure online payment gateway to ensure seamless, transparent and efficient transactions. He noted that the system had been specifically designed to eliminate any scope for overcharging and to maintain complete transparency throughout the process. He further said based on the orders received, PSEB's regional offices would prepare textbook bundles for timely collection by the schools and students. The schools will also be required to submit an undertaking confirming that no additional charges will be levied beyond the prescribed discounted price, ensuring strict compliance with the new policy.