Government schools across Tamil Nadu are struggling with a textbook and teacher handbook shortage one month after reopening. Students in Classes IV and V are particularly affected. Many have not received their textbooks or workbooks.
Teachers also report not receiving handbooks for the new curriculum. This curriculum started this year for Classes I to III. Students are sharing books and taking notes to keep up. Parents express concern about their children studying without adequate resources. They are unsure if digital versions of missing books are available.
Student and Parent Challenges
Parents state the delay hinders daily learning. Gayathri M, whose child is in Class III, received only Tamil and English textbooks. Other subject books are missing. Her child now relies on class notes. She cannot verify lessons are learned correctly.
Sivagami B, a parent, said her daughter in Class V has received no books. The child shares books with classmates. Teachers report about half of students have textbooks in many schools. Children share available books in class. They use notes for homework. Teachers find it difficult to track progress without individual books.
Curriculum and Official Response
Teachers face challenges with the new curriculum for Classes I to III. A handbook released in May helps lesson planning. However, many teachers have not received it. Some schools share limited copies among teachers.
A teacher from Tiruvannamalai stated teaching is difficult. School Education Department officials claim books were sent based on school head data. They denied delays in teacher handbooks. They said older handbooks are suitable for Classes IV and V.
Director of Elementary Education PA Naresh stated some districts had shortages due to new admissions. He promised missing books would arrive within two to three days. A department source reported 96 percent of workbooks for Classes IV and V were delivered. The remaining books are expected by Tuesday evening.
