The Center has ordered a high-level inquiry into the administrative lapses in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) after the agency failed to defend its decision to write paper writers in the Delhi High Court. This incident has created concern over the purchase of books and the timely availability of school books.Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered strict action against the officials found responsible for the problem, according to Education Ministry sources cited by TNN. The Ministry has also investigated in detail the procurement process that led to the selection of the supplier and the delays in the production of the books.
The ministry looks for solutions in procurement and regulatory affairs
According to sources, the ministry has asked NCERT to investigate the details of the case, including whether Bafna Global Venture Private Limited met the criteria at the time of its appointment, why the company allegedly failed to follow the agreed filing process, and how the council failed to ensure its representation in the Delhi High Court.Officials familiar with the matter said that the ministry had already told NCERT to speed up the process of writing books and to establish a strict system for purchasing books so that there is no delay in providing books to students. Recent developments have changed the nature of the decision-making period to internal decision-making and the formal preparation of the council.
Court will grant interim relief when NCERT fails to appear
The controversy stems from NCERT’s decision on June 22 to ban Bafna Global Venture Private Limited from participating in the procurement process for two years. The company challenged the order in the Delhi High Court on June 24.In the meeting, no representative appeared on behalf of NCERT to defend the council’s decision. Therefore, the Supreme Court granted temporary protection to the donor against enforcement pending further orders. The court also restrained NCERT from calling for the company’s bank guarantee, worth more than ₹ 6 crore. The case is expected to be heard again on July 20.
The minister has taken an uncompromising stance
A source in the Ministry of Education said that the minister took the matter seriously and ordered that the case be established.“Taking good cognizance of reports that NCERT failed to defend its decision to register a paper vendor in the Delhi High Court, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered strict action against the officers involved,” a source told TNN.Officials who allegedly failed to initiate law enforcement measures will be identified and held accountable, the sources added. The minister has reportedly emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards administrative and legal failures, particularly in matters linked to textbook procurement and production.
The supplier mentions the global shortage
Before the court hearing, the supplier said the delay in paper production was caused by a disruption in the availability of hydrogen peroxide, a key bleaching agent used in paper production. According to the company, the shortfall was due to the conflict involving Iran, which affected inventory management and delayed shipments.The court is expected to review these cases in the next hearing where the ministry will look into the acquisitions and NCERT rules individually.
The change in attitude will go beyond the book’s delay
The latest news comes as the education ministry has been urging NCERT to improve the production of textbooks and promote the sale of textbooks so that textbooks reach schools without disruption.Although the availability of books has been a recurring concern in recent years, the debate continues over the issues presented. The ministry’s intervention marks a serious review of institutional accountability, procurement and legal management within NCERT, where officials are being targeted not only for delays in production but also for failing to defend their decisions in court.