Textbook shortage hits Sindh schools

Over a month into the new academic year, Sindh Textbook Board books remain unavailable in Urdu Bazaar. Chairman Urdu Bazaar Traders Association Sajid Yousuf has appealed the Sindh Education Department to pay heed to the issue on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference, Yousuf said that a few publishers have delayed the tender process and are selling books directly in the market. This has resulted in a severe shortage of key textbooks, putting students' academic year at risk. The affected books include Islamic Studies for 4th, 11th, and 12th grades, Pakistan Studies for various grades, and Urdu and English for 3rd and 4th grades. He urged the Sindh Textbook Board to print its books independently to resolve the issue.

Yousuf further revealed that one publisher cancelled the tender twice, exacerbating the shortage. With schools having been open for over a month, the textbook shortage has become a pressing concern. He urged the authorities to take immediate action to ensure the availability of textbooks for students. The association attributes the textbook shortage to the incompetence of some publishers.