Distribution of ‘Vidyarthi Mitra’ kit will be delayed by a month, says Samagra Shiksha official

Workers were busy sorting and dispatching stacks of newly printed textbooks at a printing press on the outskirts of Vijayawada. | Photo credit: GN RAO

Samagra Shiksha State Project Director B. Srinivasa Rao said on Saturday that distribution of ‘Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyarthi Mitra’ kits for the new academic year will be delayed by almost a month due to international war-like situations and rise in raw material costs.

In his statement, Mr. Rao said that efforts are underway to ensure that all students receive textbooks and notebooks by the time schools reopen by June 12.

He added that the remaining items, including school bags, shoes and uniform, should be distributed by the time the Parent-Teacher Mega Meeting (PTM) is held.

Mr Rao said the prevailing international atmosphere of war had led to shortages of gas, oil and raw materials such as fibre. As a result, the prices of petroleum-based raw materials have risen sharply in the international market. In addition, disruptions in transport systems have also contributed to delays in the production of uniform fabrics, school bags, footwear and other materials. “The suppliers have requested additional time for delivery,” he informed.

Mr. Rao said a team of senior officials visited the manufacturing units to speed up the supply process and ensure delivery within the stipulated time. The authorities were reviewing the situation with the suppliers who were asked to give top priority to Andhra Pradesh and expedite the supply of materials.

The officials and staff of AP Government Textbook Press are busy with the printing and distribution of textbooks for the academic year 2026-27.

According to the Director of Government Textbook Press, Madhusudan Rao, a total of 1,92,61,242 textbooks have been placed in printers across the state, of which 1,82,23,342 books have already been delivered, giving an overall dispatch rate of 94.61% as on 23 May 2026.

On the distribution front, against the total district indent of 1,74,83,951 books, as many as 1,32,63,991 books were sent to the mandal points by the District Textbook Managers (DTMs), recording 75.86% distribution. Out of this, Mandal Educational Officers (MEOs) have confirmed the receipt of 1,01,95,767 books, which is 76.87% confirmation, he informed.

He further said that reforms in the printing and procurement process in 2026–27 have resulted in an estimated saving of ₹12.03 crore to the exchequer, including ₹7.50 crore in paper procurement and ₹4.53 crore in printing services. The estimated cost of printing a page has also been reduced to 30 paise.

Published – 23 May 2026 21:18 IST