Textbook shortage due to new admissions; no delay in printing or supply: T.N. School Education dept.

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department on Thursday (July 9, 2026) claimed there has been no delay in the printing or initial supply of textbooks to government schools for the current academic year.

“Any temporary shortage reported in certain schools was solely on account of fresh admissions after the academic year commenced and not due to any deficiency in the Department’s planning or printing process,” a press release from the department stated.

The clarification came after The Hindu reported that many government schools across the State were yet to receive textbooks, particularly those for Classes IV and V. Many teachers also said they were yet to receive the handbook that was supposed to help them plan lessons in line with the new curriculum for Classes I-III, which was implemented this academic year.

Additional requirement

Stating that textbooks were printed and supplied based on the original student strength furnished by the schools well before the commencement of the academic year, the release added that due to new admissions, an additional requirement of about 80,000 textbooks was identified.

“The Department undertook the printing and distribution of this additional quantity. The supply has now been completed, and the distribution process to the schools concerned is being finalised,” it added.

This additional supply also includes the requisite workbooks, ensuring that newly admitted students receive the complete set of learning materials, the release said.

“The Department has taken prompt action to meet the revised demand, and all eligible students will have access to the required textbooks and workbooks,” it added.