Delhi government directs schools to form banks from old books

The Delhi government has asked its schools to collect old usable textbooks from students of all classes and form book banks. The move comes following the recommendation by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for better utilisation of used books. The banks will offer the books to underpriviliged children.

"Every year, lakhs of tonnes of paper gets consumed in printing of books for students. As the students pass out, they are provided next set of books (of the higher class) and books of the previous class become redundant," a communication sent to government schools by the Directorate of Education (DoE) read.

The education department has directed schools that old books of the previous academic session should be collected from students on voluntary basis for the book bank.

Books will be provided to the less privileged children through School Management Committees (SMCs).

"The schools are, hereby, directed to collect usable old text books from the students of all classes to set up a book bank under eco-club in every school," it stated.

The AAP government has been working hard to improve the conditions of the existing libraries, too. A mega book fair was also organised for procurement of books for libraries last month. The DoE is also starting a three-tier library system, which will bring a library to every pre-primary and primary class, separate libraries for class 6 to 10, and modernisation of existing libraries.

In his budget speech, Finance and Education Minister Manish Sisodia had proposed this three- tier system. Towards this, Rs 17 crore has been earmarked for new books, and another Rs 100 crore to work on current library infrastructure.

A public notice was issued in November last year inviting publishers to submit their books for different academic levels in government schools. A total of 1,921 publishers submitted their books under pre-primary, primary, secondary and senior secondary categories.

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• The education department has directed schools that old books of the previous academic session should be collected from students on voluntary basis for the book bank.