PSEB launches Pustak Portal with 15% textbook discount, home delivery for over 12 lakh students

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has introduced an online platform, 'Pustak Portal', enabling students to purchase textbooks at a 15% discount and either receive them at their doorstep or collect them from designated centres across the state. According to a TOI report, the initiative is expected to make textbooks more affordable and streamline their distribution.

The new system is expected to benefit more than 12 lakh students and help families save nearly Rs 2.1 crore every year. The portal is also aimed at preventing overpricing by private booksellers by ensuring that textbooks are sold only at board-approved rates.

Speaking about the initiative, PSEB Chairman Amarpal Singh said the board has become the first education board in the country to introduce an e-commerce platform for selling and delivering its own textbooks. Students, parents and schools can place orders directly through the portal.

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Schools to facilitate book distribution

As per the TOI report, schools will only assist in distributing textbooks and will not be allowed to charge more than the prices fixed by the board. The move is intended to ensure greater transparency in the sale of textbooks.

Dr Singh said PSEB publishes and prints its own textbooks and has partnered with India Post to deliver books ordered through the portal. Orders will be delivered within 72 hours, subject to postal schedules.

Students who do not wish to opt for home delivery can collect their books free of cost from any of the 97 designated pick-up centres set up across Punjab.

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Home delivery through India post

Students choosing home delivery will have to pay the applicable India Post Gyan Post Scheme charges, which range from Rs 20 to Rs 100 for consignments weighing up to 5 kg. The board has printed around 2.25 crore copies covering 361 textbook titles in Punjabi, English and Hindi. Students can also purchase textbooks directly from PSEB district offices while continuing to avail the 15% discount.

Government school students will continue to receive textbooks free of cost under the Punjab government's existing scheme. PSEB officials said the new portal would ensure the timely availability of authentic textbooks while creating a more transparent and efficient distribution system across the state.