Students,lecturers in pre-university colleges across Karnataka are grappling with delays in free textbooks promised by state government. Part of Vidya Vikas Scheme,announced for 2026-27 by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This year, aims to help 1.5 million first and second-year PU students in government,aided colleges.
Classes started nearly three weeks ago. But many educators still lack necessary textbooks. A student from a PU college in Basavanagudi voiced frustration: “My mother is a domestic worker,father works in an automobile garage. I chose Science. Delayed textbooks make it hard to study. Relying on lecturer notes now . Textbook prices too high,we can't pay.”
Karnataka State PU Lecturers Association raised concerns over impact on students from lower-middle-class families. President A. H. Ningegowda noted these families often depend on daily wages, can't buy textbooks. Said,“We demanded free textbooks for long time,government finally promised them this year. But no word on when we'll get them.” Criticized government for failing to deliver even a quarter of needed textbooks at academic year's start.
Another educator in Chikkaballapura pointed out challenges teaching languages without textbooks: “Accounts, Statistics,History, Economics, Physics teachers give notes without textbooks. But hard to teach languages without them. Need students to read lessons, only possible with textbooks.” Worried about finishing syllabus before Formative Assessment 1 (FA-1) exams,end of July or early August .
A senior official from Directorate of Pre-University Education admitted delays,blamed administrative issues. First time free textbooks for PU students, causing holdups. Ordered 2.8 million textbooks from Karnataka Textbook Society (KTB),300,000 to 400,000 already delivered. Treating situation as priority.
Meanwhile,KTB official said leftover textbooks from last year exist, but need to check for syllabus changes. First tender phase done,textbooks to be printed, supplied soon. If needed, second tender phase will start to ensure enough supply…
