Due to the overwhelming popularity of the NCERT books among schools, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry is planning to make NCERT books compulsory for CBSE schools
Over 2,000 private schools have already opted for these books published by the NCERT. MHRD had conducted a review of the educational council's capacity and hence the step has been planned.
HRD Minister's Support for NCERT
HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar had recently advised schools to stick to books published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) rather than those by private publishers.
Why were NCERT books not made mandatory earlier?
Due to reports by teachers and parents that there was a shortage of books, the books were not made compulsory earlier.
Expensive Books by Private Publishers
Earlier, reports were doing rounds that there were complaints from parents to the CBSE and the HRD ministry that the schools prescribed expensive books by private publishers.
NCERT Books
The NCERT claims to have no shortage of books and has a target of publishing 4.25 crore books this year.
"This year, there was a problem because parents were complaining about books being highly priced. We appealed to all schools to register and give their intent. Over 2,000 schools have registered and we have supplied NCERT books in those 2,000 private schools," Javadekar told reporters on the sidelines of an event.