NCERT files 13 FIRs against publishers, retailers for selling pirated books

NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has registered 13 First Information Reports (FIRs) against publishers and retailers for selling pirated books. The council also took action on book publishers selling NCERT textbooks at higher rates than the print rate online and seized over 25 MTs of fake watermark paper.

NCERT expressed concern at the sale of pirated textbooks at higher prices than the print rate and said that several systemic reforms are being planned to curb this menace. Over 3 crore textbooks have been printed this year, the council informed. The council iterated that it has already issued a statement on copyright infringement in books developed by NCERT earlier.

“NCERT remains committed to supply quality textbooks for all classes (I to XII) at a reasonable cost across the country. This year more than 3 crore textbooks have already been made available through more than 1000 NCERT authorized distributors and retailers. However, sale of pirated NCERT textbooks generally at higher price than the NCERT print rate remains a concern,” it said in an official statement.

Also read CBSE: No open book exams for Classes 10, 12 this year; pilot only in a few schools

The council previously warned publishers against copyright infringement of its school textbooks and other educational resources. The warning came after the NCERT observed that a few publishers were publishing school textbooks under their name without obtaining permission. It asked the publishers who desire to use the name of NCERT in its publication to send a proposal.

In a similar incident, 11 FIRs were registered in May against shop owners in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly raising textbook prices. The officials said that there is documentary evidence of a criminal monetary conspiracy between schools and retailers and stationery. The authorities imposed a fine of Rs 22 lakh on 11 schools and 20 persons were arrested.