Chennai: The government is understood to have ordered reprint of history and economics books of classes XI and XII. Papers accessed by DC reveal that Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation had issued orders to print history and economics textbooks of classes XI and XII totally numbering 7,47,900 for the academic year 2015-16.
Late last week, the government had ordered the recall of the books in which DMK president M. Karunanidhi was listed as the state’s chief minister in the foreword. The preface of the recalled class XII economics textbook also comprises a message thanking then school education minister Thangam Thennarasu for efforts made to preparing the uniform syllabus books.
Print orders for Tamil and English copies of all class XII books were issued on April 19 and class XI books the following day. The target dates were set as June 24 and 25. Government sources revealed that the reprint would cost the state Rs 1.3 crore, which includes Rs 1.17 crore incurred for 234 tonnes of paper alone. The works have been given to 40 printers, mostly from Chennai and Sivakasi. Of them, 14 companies will print for retails sale.
Though the printing works are on, it will take not less than a week before it reaches the government, sources revealed. Add another week for dispatch of books from Chennai to districts; it is unlikely that the books will reach students in the next fortnight.The 7.4 lakh print order also includes around 1 lakh meant for retail sale. Repeated attempts to reach the school education secretary failed.
