School textbook distribution delayed once again
View(s):The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) said last week that the delay in distributing textbooks to 4.3 million school children is because of bureaucratic bungling.
CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said the Education Ministry officials have repeatedly blundered with text book distribution over the last three years causing a delay.
Despite spending Rs 3499 million to print 397 million books, only 85 percent of the text books have been distributed so far, Mr Stalin said.
In 2019 an additional sum of Rs. 5.72 million was spent to re-print the Grade three English workbook, writing book and textbooks, as many mistakes were found. In 2018 substandard books for the subject were printed with discolored paper and an improper caliper (thickness).
Mr Stalin said the mistakes occur due to unqualified officials handling the subjects.
“The practice of appointing special cadre officials to the general cadre positions is contributing to the problem. This needs to stop and the government must take action against these officials,” he added.