The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched an online portal that will let parents and schools across the nation order textbook directly with the body. The step will ease the step of buying books and also aid parents to save money used on sourcing books from private publishers. The portal was launched on Wednesday at 5 PM and was inaugurated by HRD Minister Upendra Khuswaha.
At the time of ordering the books, the schools don’t need to pay. However, the payment must be made just before the supply, read an official press release. Notably, the portal will soon be open for individual buyers too.
The NCERT is also exploring the option of having Flipkart and Amazon host and deliver its books. Reportedly, talks are on and a final decision will be taken soon. E-commerce sites, which deliver general books without any charge, but steep delivery charges on NCERT books.
The books will be delivered to their doorsteps. Post the order one can track the delivery as well. There will be online payment facilities for an individual, but in the case of schools, payment can be made later.
Schools will be asked to give an estimate of the number of books required so that the books can be made available much before the time. Schools will be given at least a month’s time to upload their requirement. The move was taken as parents have complained to HRD ministry about schools forcing costly books on them.
