In a discussion with the state-owned Sajha Publications staffers about its needs and capacity to distribute the text books today, Minister Pokharel said it would not be proper for him to continue in his post if the students do not get their course books on time. "I agree that state institutions like Janak Sikhsya and Sajha Prakash should survive, but history alone will not ensure that, and we must look for an alternative", he said.The Minister has assigned the Janak Sikshya management to come up with an action plan by January 7 on the status of the publication of text books for coming academic year. A study is also being carried out to see whether Sajha publications can carry out the task of distribution of the text books.
Some 30 million text books are required for students from Grade one to 10 across the country. The private sector publication houses are allowed to print books from Grade one to five, but only Janak Sikshya can print books from above Grade five.
As per latest reports, Janak Sikshya has so far printed only 5.2 million books among the around 17 million required for Grade six to ten students.
Sajha publications staffers on the occasion urged the Minister to provide grant and loan and give single responsibility of the book distribution. Other printing work should also been provided to the publications in order to revive the institution that is now running in loss.
Publications Chairman and General Manager Dolindra Prasad Sharma said the institution could be saved provided it receives at least Rs. 200 million concessional loan, which would be used to lay off unnecessary staff, publish popular books and increase the efficiency of the management.
Managing Director of Janak Sikshya Anil Kumar Jha however said the government should be rest assured as publishing of the text books was taking place in a rapid pace to meet the deadline. RSS
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