The Center has ordered a high-level probe into legal and administrative lapses at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) after the organization failed to defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier before the Delhi High Court. The incident has raised concerns about the procurement of textbooks and the timely availability of school books.Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed strict action against the officials found responsible for the absence, according to Education Ministry sources quoted by TNN. The ministry has also called for a detailed examination of the procurement process that led to the selection of the supplier and the circumstances that delayed the production of textbooks.
The ministry is looking for answers on procurement and legal management
According to sources, the ministry has asked NCERT to investigate various aspects of the case, including whether Bafna Global Venture Private Limited fulfilled the prescribed eligibility conditions at the time of its selection, why the company allegedly failed to meet the agreed paper supply schedule and how the board failed to ensure legal representation before the Delhi High Court.Officials familiar with the matter said the ministry had already instructed NCERT to speed up the production of textbooks and establish a robust procurement framework to avoid delays in supplying books to students. Recent developments have now shifted the focus from production timelines to internal decision-making and board legal preparation.
Court grants interim measures after NCERT fails to appear
The controversy stems from NCERT’s June 22 decision to bar Bafna Global Venture Private Limited from participating in its recruitment process for two years. The company challenged the order before the Delhi High Court on June 24.During the hearing, no representative appeared on behalf of NCERT to defend the board’s decision. As a result, the High Court granted the supplier interim protection from enforcement action until further orders. The court also barred NCERT from invoking the company’s bank guarantee, valued at over Rs 6 crore. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on July 20.
The minister adopts a stance of zero tolerance
An Education Ministry source said the minister was taking the incident seriously and ordered that responsibility be taken.“Taking serious note of reports that NCERT did not effectively defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier before the Delhi High Court, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed strict action against the officers responsible for the absence,” a source told TNN.Officials who allegedly failed to initiate the required legal proceedings will be identified and held accountable, the sources added. According to reports, the minister has emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards administrative and legal lapses, especially in matters related to procurement and textbook production.
Supplier cites global supply disruption
In court, the supplier argued that delays in papermaking were caused by disruptions in the availability of hydrogen peroxide, a key bleaching agent used in paper production. According to the company, the shortage arose because of the conflict with Iran, affecting the supply chain and delaying deliveries.The court is expected to examine these claims in the next hearing while the ministry’s inquiry into NCERT’s legal and recruitment processes is conducted independently.
The focus moves beyond textbook delays
The latest episode comes at a time when the Education Ministry has been pressing NCERT to streamline textbook production and strengthen procurement systems to ensure books reach schools without interruption.While textbook availability has remained a recurring concern in recent years, the current controversy goes beyond supply issues. The ministry’s intervention signals a wider review of institutional accountability, procurement oversight and legal management within NCERT, with officials now facing scrutiny not only for production delays but also for failing to defend official decisions in court.