The Centre has ordered a high-level probe into administrative and legal lapses at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) after the organisation failed to defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier before the Delhi High Court. The incident has triggered concerns over textbook procurement and timely availability of school books.Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed strict action against officials found responsible for the lapse, according to sources in the Ministry of Education as quoted by TNN. The ministry has also sought a detailed examination of the procurement process that led to the selection of the supplier and the circumstances that delayed textbook production.
Ministry seeks answers on procurement and legal handling
According to sources, the ministry has asked NCERT to investigate multiple aspects of the case, including whether Bafna Global Venture Private Limited fulfilled the prescribed eligibility conditions at the time of its selection, why the company allegedly failed to adhere to the agreed paper supply schedule, and how the council failed to ensure legal representation before the Delhi High Court.Officials familiar with the matter said the ministry had already instructed NCERT to accelerate textbook production and establish a robust procurement framework to prevent delays in supplying books to students. The latest developments have now shifted the spotlight from production timelines to the council’s internal decision-making and legal preparedness.
Court grants interim relief after NCERT fails to appear
The controversy stems from NCERT’s June 22 decision to debar Bafna Global Venture Private Limited from participating in its procurement process for two years. The company challenged the order before the Delhi High Court on June 24.During the hearing, no representative appeared on behalf of NCERT to defend the council’s decision. As a result, the High Court granted interim protection to the supplier against coercive action until further orders. The court also restrained NCERT from invoking the company’s bank guarantee, valued at more than ₹6 crore. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on July 20.
Minister adopts zero-tolerance stance
A source in the Ministry of Education said the minister viewed the incident seriously and had directed that accountability be fixed.“Taking serious note of reports that NCERT failed to effectively defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier before the Delhi High Court, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed strict action against the officers responsible for the lapse,” a source told TNN.Officials who allegedly failed to initiate the required legal procedures will be identified and held accountable, sources added. The minister has reportedly emphasised a zero-tolerance approach towards administrative and legal failures, particularly in matters linked to textbook procurement and production.
Supplier cites global supply disruption
Before the court, the supplier argued that delays in paper manufacturing were caused by disruptions in the availability of hydrogen peroxide, a key bleaching agent used in paper production. According to the company, the shortage emerged due to the conflict involving Iran, affecting the supply chain and delaying deliveries.The court is expected to examine these claims in the next hearing while the ministry’s inquiry into NCERT’s procurement and legal processes proceeds independently.
Focus shifts beyond textbook delays
The latest episode comes at a time when the Ministry of Education has been pressing NCERT to streamline textbook production and strengthen procurement systems to ensure books reach schools without disruption.While textbook availability has remained a recurring concern in recent years, the current controversy extends beyond supply issues. The ministry’s intervention indicates a broader review of institutional accountability, procurement oversight and legal management within NCERT, with officials now facing scrutiny not only for production delays but also for the failure to defend official decisions before the court.
