Over 4.7 Lakh Pirated NCERT Books Seized Since 2024: Govt Reports

Government Cracks Down on Pirated NCERT Books to Safeguard Student Access

In a major crackdown on educational piracy, the Ministry of Education informed the Rajya Sabha that more than 4.7 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks have been seized across the country since 2024. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the availability of authentic and affordable learning materials to students nationwide.

According to the Ministry, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) plays a critical role in providing quality textbooks to students at subsidised prices. These books are developed by subject experts and undergo a rigorous review process to align with national educational standards.

"The main objective of NCERT is to provide quality textbooks at a very affordable price to the last student across the country, on a no-profit and no-loss basis," a government representative stated in the Upper House.

Authorities have launched enforcement operations in several states to track and confiscate illegally printed textbooks. These pirated versions not only harm the educational ecosystem but also impact the credibility and consistency of classroom learning materials.

The Ministry further emphasized that strict legal actions are being pursued against those involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit books. Officials also urged schools, booksellers, and parents to verify the source of NCERT textbooks to prevent the spread of unauthorised copies.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding educational resources and ensuring that every student, regardless of economic background, has access to genuine and standardised study material.