The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is facing criticism. Hindi-medium Class 9 students lack essential mathematics and science textbooks. The new academic session has begun. Months have passed since the session started. Hindi versions of these textbooks are unavailable. English versions are reportedly in stock.
Shortage Impacts Students and Teachers
This disparity raises concerns about resource availability. Teachers are reportedly copying notes onto blackboards. Students are unable to access photocopies or digital versions. This situation creates significant classroom challenges.
Disparity in Textbook Availability
NCERT textbooks for Class 9 Mathematics and Science are available for English-medium students. Hindi-medium students have no access to these books. This gap in availability has immediate classroom consequences.
| Academic Parameter | English Medium Status | Hindi Medium Status | Impact on Classroom Delivery |
| Class 9 Mathematics | Fully Available | Out of Stock | Teachers dictating notes; reliance on expensive digital prints. |
| Class 9 Science | Fully Available | Out of Stock | Practical mapping delayed; conceptual backlog growing. |
Alternative Solutions and Challenges
Students can purchase digital PDFs. However, low-income families may lack reliable smartphone or internet access. This limits their ability to access digital content.
Official Timeline Concerns
The delay in printing Hindi textbooks violates academic distribution norms. The official timeline for distribution has been missed.