In a major boost to education accessibility, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced plans to triple its textbook publication this year, aiming to print a staggering 15 crore books. This ambitious initiative was announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at an event where NCERT signed a Letter of Engagement with Amazon.
The partnership aims to address long-standing challenges related to textbook availability and affordability. Pradhan highlighted the significance of NCERT’s role in shaping India’s education landscape since 1963, with the organization having published a total of 220 crore books and journals. He emphasized the importance of making learning joyful for the 300 million students in the country, urging the development of interactive and AI-driven e-books, including innovative features like talking books.
The collaboration with Amazon will ensure that NCERT textbooks reach students nationwide. The books will be made available across nearly 20,000 pin codes, with prices strictly adhering to the MRP printed on the textbooks. This will curb the sale of pirated NCERT textbooks, a persistent issue in the education system.
Amazon will leverage its extensive delivery network to ensure timely and efficient delivery of textbooks, even to the most remote areas. This initiative will address challenges such as supply gaps, delayed availability, and regional shortages, ensuring equitable access to education. The platform will also help monitor and take down unauthorized sellers distributing counterfeit or overpriced books, promoting a more transparent and reliable educational ecosystem.
Furthermore, Amazon will work with NCERT to streamline bulk ordering for government agencies and schools, facilitating easier procurement of large volumes of textbooks. To ensure efficient distribution, NCERT has appointed designated vendors who will work closely with Amazon sellers.
Saurabh Srivastava, Vice President, Categories, Amazon India, expressed the company’s commitment to making quality education accessible to all Indians. “Amazon is trusted by millions of Indians across the country every day for making essential products easily accessible, and we believe that quality education should be no exception,” Srivastava said. “By ensuring that genuine NCERT textbooks are available at fair prices, Amazon is playing its part in building a more transparent and reliable educational ecosystem. This effort will make it easier for students, parents, and educators to access the resources they need, supporting their learning journey without compromise.”
This partnership marks a significant step towards creating a more accessible and equitable education system in India. By leveraging the power of technology and collaboration, NCERT and Amazon aim to ensure that every student has the opportunity to access quality education resources, regardless of location or socioeconomic background.
