After the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) failed to defend its decision to blacklist a paper vendor before the Delhi High Court, the Center has ordered a high-level inquiry into the organization’s administrative and legal lapses. The incident has raised concerns about textbook procurement and timely supply of textbooks.Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed strict action against the officials responsible for the lapse, TNN quoted sources in the education department as saying. The ministry also requested a detailed examination of the procurement process for supplier selection and the circumstances leading to delays in textbook production.
Treasury seeks answers on procurement and legal processing
Sources revealed that the ministry has asked NCERT to look into various aspects of the case, including whether Bafna Global Venture Private Limited met the stipulated eligibility criteria at the time of selection, why the company allegedly failed to adhere to the agreed paper supply schedule, and how the commission failed to ensure legal representation before the Delhi High Court.Officials familiar with the matter said the education ministry has directed NCERT to expedite textbook production and put in place a robust procurement framework to prevent delays in supplying books to students. The latest developments have now shifted the focus from the production schedule to the committee’s internal decision-making and legal preparations.
Court grants interim relief after NCERT fails to appear in court
The controversy stems from NCERT’s decision on June 22 to ban Bafna Global Venture Private Limited from its procurement process for two years. The company challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court on June 24.During the hearing, no one appeared on behalf of NCERT to defend the council’s decision. The High Court therefore granted interim protection to the supplier from enforcement action until further orders. The court also restrained NCERT from invoking the company’s bank guarantee worth over Rs 6 crore. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on July 20.
Minister takes zero-tolerance stance
Sources in the education ministry said the education minister took the incident seriously and directed that those responsible be held accountable.“Following reports that NCERT failed to effectively defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier in the Delhi High Court, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered strict action against the officials responsible for the lapse,” a source told TNN.Officials who allegedly failed to initiate the required legal proceedings will be identified and held accountable, the source added. The minister reportedly stressed a zero-tolerance approach to administrative and legal lapses, especially on issues related to textbook procurement and production.
Suppliers say global supply disruptions
In court, suppliers argued that delays in paper production were caused by disruptions in the supply of hydrogen peroxide, a key bleaching agent used in paper production. According to the company, the shortage is due to the conflict involving Iran, which has affected supply chains and caused delivery delays.The court is expected to examine the allegations at its next hearing, while the ministry’s investigation into NCERT’s procurement and legal proceedings will be conducted independently.
Focus shifts beyond textbook delays
The latest incident comes at a time when the education ministry has been urging NCERT to streamline textbook production and strengthen the procurement system to ensure that books reach schools without disruption.While the supply of textbooks has remained a recurring issue in recent years, the current controversy goes beyond supply issues. The ministry’s intervention signals a wider review of institutional accountability, procurement oversight and legal management within NCERT, with officials now facing scrutiny not only over production delays but also for failing to defend official decisions in court.
