The tug-of-war between the Punjab curriculum and Curriculum Council (PCTB) and private publishers puts academic career in danger, making the timely provision of free textbooks and practical books to students insane.
The government has banned private publishers for publishing textbooks under the unified national education policy.
Therefore, million of students may not receive textbooks at the start of new session
As, increase the shortage of books from the market by 2021
Two academic sessions have been shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is now a risk that the next academic session will be affected by the lack of textbooks.
Hence, If the situation continues, it is likely to have a negative impact on the student’s career.
Accordingly, private publishers will not accept NOCs to print books this year. On condition of invisibility , the publisher announced that PCTB employees prohibited from issuing NOCs. however, no written instruction is regarding this
Accordingly, the PCTB has introduced new criteria for NOCs that require high fees and a license fee of 7.5 %
In addition, PCTB has canceled old NOCs from some publishers, costing hundreds of thousands of workers from their jobs
Therefore, it will be potentially sparking what could snowball into the upcoming major crisis for parents and students.
Fawaz Niaz’s suggestion about PCTB puts academic career in danger
Fawaz Niaz, Association of Punjab Presidents Textbook Publishers said in a television broadcast on Thursday
“The provincial government had introduced 30 of its own “sample booklets” as a curriculum.”
PCTB imposes a new fee of Rs. 450,000 for a book, a move the board could generate some Rs. 9 billion. This amount could be an increase of 7.5 percent of the license fees and taxes imposed by the RSTB. This step will burden millions of students and parents.
Moreover, He stated that around 250 private publisher will print more than 20,000 books every school year
MeanWhile, “Federal Minister of Education Shafkat Mahmoud became aware of the ongoing crisis
He further asked the PCTB to address the problem”.
Yes, the concerns of private publishers are real. I asked PCTB to simplify the NOC process. The PCTB should act as a facilitator rather than create obstacles to the desire of the private sector to publish supporting books and materials
He is worried that if this bureaucratic obstacle continues, the problem could lead to a crisis.
Dr. Manzoor suggestion about PCTB puts academic career in danger
As the managing director of the PCTB Dr. When asked to comment on the matter, Farooq Manzoor said
There is no problem with the NQF on the PCTB. NOCs are issued to all private publishers within a specified period of time.
Dr. Manzoor said the board has the capability to review thousands of books in a timely manner and to consult with everyone involved in the creation of the textbooks.
He is worried that if this bureaucratic obstacle continues, the problem could lead to a crisis.
“We are moving in the right direction. However, my ministry would like to convey the real concerns of all stakeholders in Punjab as well as other provinces to carry out this KKN within the stipulated timeframe. I have consulted with all stakeholders,” he said.
In response to why the PCTB surveyed the NCA of private issuers who were charging a high fee of 7.5 percent of royalties (including tax), he said the new fees had been withdrawn but did not provide further comment when the matter was investigated.
