Government Revises School Textbook Printing Policy, Empowering Janak Education Material Center

Kathmandu, Nepal - In a significant policy shift, the Government of Nepal has announced a revision in the distribution of rights for printing school textbooks, enhancing the role of the government-owned Janak Education Material Center and scaling back the involvement of private publishing houses. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology outlined the changes, signaling a strategic move to optimize textbook production across the country.

Key Changes in Textbook Printing Rights

• The Ministry's decision, as articulated by Spokesperson Shiv Sapkota, redistributes the printing rights for school textbooks between private publishers and the Janak Education Material Center.
• Private publishing houses, which previously printed textbooks for grades 1-5, will now be responsible for grades 1-4 only.
• The Janak Education Material Center will expand its printing responsibilities to include textbooks for grades 5-12, a significant increase from its previous remit of grades 6-12.

Government's Rationale and Strategic Focus

• The decision is based on the improved capacity and proven reliability of the Janak Education Material Center in producing and delivering educational materials on time.
• Spokesperson Sapkota emphasized the government's commitment to leveraging the strengths of both the public and private sectors in serving the educational needs of the nation.
• This policy adjustment aims to ensure higher quality and more efficient distribution of textbooks to students across Nepal.

Implications for Private Publishers

• Despite the reduction in their scope of work, private publishing houses retain the right to print textbooks for schools in all seven provinces of Nepal.
• The move is expected to encourage these publishers to focus on quality and innovation within their newly defined roles.

This policy revision marks a crucial step in Nepal's ongoing efforts to improve its educational infrastructure. By reassigning textbook printing rights, the government aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of educational materials, ensuring that students across Nepal have the resources they need for effective learning.