KOCHI: The Kerala Books and Publications Society (KBPS) which was entrusted with the task of printing textbooks for schoolchildren can heave a sigh of relief.
The society completed the distribution of 2.42 crore textbooks to over 3,330 societies on Thursday. Understandably, KBPS officers are elated.
“We are ecstatic the books have been distributed to the societies. This happened because we purchased the paper for printing the textbooks, thereby saving textbooks. The entire KBPS team worked hard to achieve the target,” KBPS managing director Tomin J Thachankary said.
KBPS began distribution of the textbooks by mid-February and took nearly three months to complete it.
“To avoid any delay, we divided the distribution into three phases. In the first phase, books for classes VIII, IX and X were distributed. In the second phase, the rest of the books were sent to the societies. Printing of extra textbooks and their distribution will be done in the third phase,” Thachankary said.
The KBPS has also set up a helpline number to meet any shortage in quantity. Schools can contact 9995411786; 9995412786; 9995413786; 9995414786.
“Every year, several schools face shortage of books. We don’t want to store extra textbooks as buffer stock. Through the helpline number, we are planning to reduce the buffer stock,” said a KBPS officer.
Printing of second lot to start in a week
KBPS is all set to start the printing of the second volume of books. Around 2.4 crore textbooks are expected to be printed. “We have begun the printing of covers for the second volume. The printing of books will begin in a week and is expected to take four months to complete. As per the government’s order, the books need to reach the school before October 30,” the KBPS officer said.