KOCHI: The state-run Kerala Books and Publications Society (KBPS), which scripted history of sorts by completing the printing of over 2.42 crore Vol I school textbooks ahead of the date of schools’ reopening,is eyeing another spectacular feat.KBPS has its sights on printing around 2.9 crore Vol II textbooks which will be completed two months prior to the deadline set by the government,KBPS officers said. The purchase of two state-of-the-art printing machines has fuelled the KBPS’ dreams.
“Earlier, we had only four printing machines but we purchased two more offset printing machines last week. If we were able to print nearly 2 lakh books per day, now we are able to bring out around 4 lakh books daily. This will allow us to complete the entire printing process within three-four months,” said Tomin J Thachankary, KBPS managing director. According to him, KBPS took nearly eight months to complete the printing of 2.42 crore books for the Vol I category but the purchase of two state-of-the-art machines will help to fast-track the printing process.
“As per the deadline, KBPS has to complete the printing of these 2.9 crore books for the second term by October. We have already started the printing of Vol II textbooks from last week. If we can sustain the momentum, the distribution of entire textbooks will be completed by September,” Thachankary said.
Moreover, he said KBPS expansion is in the offing, with moves afoot to get two Manugraph printing machines and a Harris printing machine.
“With this becoming a reality, we will seek orders from other states for printing their textbooks. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh have evinced interest in placing orders with the KBPS for printing their respective textbooks,” Thachankary said.