RAWALPINDI: Thousands of students in government schools across Rawalpindi are still waiting for their free textbooks, even though the new academic year began on April 1.
The system for delivering and distributing books for Classes 1 to 10 has reportedly broken down, causing serious delays and frustration among teachers and school staff. Textbooks are issued each year under a Punjab government programme, but this time the process has been disrupted due to poor planning and warehouse mismanagement.
Teachers from both urban and rural schools have been gathering daily at the district textbook warehouse located at Government Denny’s Higher Secondary School in Saddar. Many arrive early in the morning but are forced to wait for hours to collect books for their students.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos at the warehouse, with long queues, confusion and arguments among teachers over access to the limited distribution counters. The lack of proper organisation has led to heated exchanges and even minor physical scuffles.
Although distribution from the warehouse to schools has now started, not a single government school in the district has yet been able to hand out textbooks to students. Officials say the books may begin reaching classrooms later this week. However, if the process is not completed soon, the upcoming weekend holidays could push the timeline further, possibly delaying distribution until April 20.
Formal teaching activities are expected to fully begin only after students receive their textbooks.
Teachers have criticised the district education authorities for failing to manage the process effectively. Schools are required to submit updated enrolment lists each year to receive books according to the number of students, but educators say the absence of proper coordination and discipline at the warehouse created unnecessary problems.
One female teacher from a suburban school said she had been waiting since 8am, while distribution started two hours later. Even after that, she claimed, the process remained slow and unorganised, forcing teachers to stand in long queues under difficult conditions.
Teachers have urged authorities to introduce better planning, clearer procedures and accountability measures to prevent similar problems in the future and ensure that students receive their textbooks on time.
