The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Textbook Board has formally requested the provincial government to allow it to develop and publish school textbooks independently, a move that could significantly reduce financial burdens and improve educational quality.
According to officials, the board currently relies on private publishers for textbook development, resulting in an annual royalty payment of approximately Rs60 million. To address this issue, the board has proposed an amendment to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook & Learning Material Policy 2017, which currently restricts it from publishing books on its own.
The proposed amendment includes the addition of clause 3.2-B, which would authorize the textbook board to not only develop but also publish textbooks using its own resources. Officials believe this change would serve the public interest by reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring better control over the content and production process.
The summary of this proposal has already been sent by the Elementary and Secondary Education Department to the provincial authorities for cabinet approval. However, it has reportedly been delayed for several months due to administrative hurdles and resistance from influential private publishers.
Officials claim that private publishers have long benefited from royalty payments, sometimes extending for decades. They also raised concerns that publishers often increase book size unnecessarily to maximize profits, adding extra burden on students and teachers.
If approved, the new policy would allow the KP Textbook Board to collaborate with experienced educationists to produce high-quality textbooks. This initiative is expected to not only enhance content standards but also ensure timely availability of books for students across the province.
The move reflects a significant shift towards improving the education system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by promoting transparency, reducing dependency on private publishers, and prioritizing student needs.
