The Sindh Textbook Board (STBB) Chairman Abdul Aleem Lashari has announced that the board would begin distributing textbooks to government schools in Sindh from July 31 (today).
Speaking at a press conference in Jamshoro on Tuesday he said, despite facing numerous challenges, the board is on track to complete its textbook printing target for this year.
Lashari stated that the board’s work would be completed on time and as per schedule. He attributed the delay in book distribution to hurdles and legal issues during the tender process.
A total of 445,300 sets of books have been prepared for government schools in the province, with distribution starting on July 31 and expected to be completed by August 15. Lashari reported that 80% of the book printing work has been completed, totaling 24.3 million books.
In order to prevent book piracy, the board will fix a special sticker on the books. Publishers violating copyright will be dealt with iron hand under the law, he said.
Lashari addressed concerns about book availability, citing last year’s issues with dollar value fluctuations, inflation, and petrol price increases, and assured that this year’s printing process would be completed without any interruption.
Lashari denied allegations of favouritism in the tender process for book printing, explaining that issuing tenders is a standard procedure under law, and no publisher can receive more than two packages.
The board’s condition has improved significantly since last year, with its printing machine now two-colour capable. The matter of upgrading the printing press is ongoing in court.
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