PTCB fails to publish books for middle classes
The Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) has failed to publish books for middle classes for the academic year 2022, starting from August 1.
Earlier, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Punjab government had barred the PCTB from publishing books for grades 6 to 8 under the Single National Curriculum (SNC) introduced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government.
The Punjab government had directed the PTCB to print books for the middle classes by restoring the previous syllabus.
The PTI-led Punjab government had introduced the first phase of the SNC during the last academic year for I to V classes. The PTI government had announced to launch of the second phase of SNC for middle classes in the academic year 2022.
Schools across Punjab were supposed to receive books for middle classes by July 10, however, the PCTB has so far failed to arrange books for classes 6 to 8 for the upcoming academic session. The delay in publishing the books will have bearing on the students and the already delayed academic session.
Sources said that the cost of paper has soared as a result of the depreciation of the rupee against the dollar and the funds allocated for printing the books have fallen short and new funds could not be released, delaying the publication of books.
Sources in the PCTB claimed that they have received funds and the material for the publication of the old syllabus has also been prepared and its printing will be completed in two weeks.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2022.