Govt school books for free distribution allegedly sold as junk in UP

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district have uncovered the alleged diversion of thousands of government-issued textbooks intended for free distribution to students in council schools for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The books, printed under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, were meant to be supplied to students from primary level through Class 12. The program is designed to promote inclusive and equitable access to quality education.

The irregularity surfaced during a stock verification exercise conducted under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a component of Samagra Shiksha. Officials reported that 13,595 textbooks were unaccounted for and were later traced to a local scrap dealer.

District Magistrate Akshay Tripathi said he received information on Feb 17 that a scrap dealer had purchased the books and was transporting them in a truck. Acting on the tip, police intercepted the vehicle in the neighboring Lakhimpur district after it had crossed out of Bahraich and escorted it back.

"More than 10 tonnes of textbooks meant for the 2026-27 academic session were recovered. Documents found in the truck suggest the books had been sold by the scrap dealer to a firm in Kashipur, Uttarakhand," Tripathi said.

Based on a complaint filed by Basic Shiksha Adhikari Ashish Kumar Singh, an FIR was registered at Ramgaon police station. The case names Bahraich-based scrap dealer Dilshad Ahmad, truck owner Mohammad Aslam from Moradabad, and others under provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, the district magistrate said.

Administrative action has also been initiated. "Departmental attendants Shafiq Ahmad and Alok Kumar have been suspended. Contractual district coordinator (community participation) Ashutosh Singh and instructor Atul Kumar Singh have been terminated. A detailed inquiry is underway," Tripathi added.

Ramgaon Station House Officer Gursen Singh confirmed that the truck has been seized and that the investigation is continuing. The driver reportedly fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle.