Chandigarh, April 23: A new digital distribution system launched by the Punjab School Education Board is set to provide financial relief to over one million students across the state. Starting with the 2026-2027 session, the government will implement a 15 percent price reduction on all board-published textbooks by transitioning to a direct-to-student sales model.
Education Minister Harjot Bains declared that the primary goal of the reform is to ensure education remains accessible and free from commercial exploitation. He asserted that schools will act solely as distribution facilitators and are strictly prohibited from generating any profit from the sale of these materials. By integrating a secure online payment system into the board’s new e-commerce website, the department aims to maintain a transparent and efficient transaction process.
Dr. Amarpal, Chairman of the PSEB, stated that the board is leveraging technology to simplify the procurement of educational resources. He maintained that the mobile app and web portal will allow parents to monitor their orders and ensure they are paying the correct, discounted rates. The system requires schools to coordinate class-wise requirements online, ensuring that regional offices can dispatch accurate bundles to each institution.
Authorities confirmed that this policy serves as a strategic intervention to standardize book pricing across the state. Officials noted that the move has been welcomed by parents as a necessary step toward curbing the influence of private book agencies. The board has instructed its regional centers to begin logistics operations immediately to meet the demand of the upcoming academic year.
