Students Assured of Receiving New Textbooks in January: Finance Adviser

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed today that schoolchildren will receive new textbooks in January, despite the government’s decision to send back a purchase proposal for further review.

Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat after a meeting of the Advisory Council’s procurement committee, he explained that while some printing orders have already been issued, approvals for certain classes are being withheld for closer examination.

“We want to check the quality of books already printed — including the paper used — and ensure that no company dominates the contracts unfairly,” he said. “That is why the proposal was withdrawn today. It will be revised and resubmitted, possibly by next week.”

He noted that officials have been tasked with identifying publishers accused of past irregularities. “There are often allegations of malpractice. We want to make sure such firms do not get contracts this year,” he added.

According to him, the government is moving earlier than last year to finalise work orders so that books can be distributed on January 1. Responding to a query about the three-month delay in 2024, he assured: “This time, students will have their textbooks in January.