Paperless in Punjab: Education Hits a Roadblock Without Books

Image Source: Hindustan Times

Hafizabad and Mianwali government schools are also beset with a serious dearth of textbooks, and only 20% of the students are supplied with free books weeks after school opens. The remaining 80% have to purchase books on their own, holding families against inflation.

Key issues:

Distribution delay: Printing cutbacks (50% capacity) and supply chain disagreements between Punjab Textbook Board and Punjabi Sahit Akademi worsened delays.

Impact on learning: Homework cannot be done, and learning is threatened.

Systemic neglect: Punjab's education crisis includes 10.96 million out-of-school children and chronic underfunding.

Parents demand swift action, while officials cite financial constraints and pending dues (₹372 crore for printing).

Sources: Pakistan Today, Tribune, Mutee Academy