Haryana govt school students forced to study without books despite free books policy

Government school students in Haryana have been making do without adequate number of books for two months despite the state policy of free books to students.

In Haryana, free books are provided by the government to the children of Classes 1 to 8 studying in government schools as per their education policy. The new session began two months ago but till now, new books have not been given to the children.

Children of the economically weaker section are facing difficulty in studying due to the lack of books. The state government has declared summer holidays from June 1, and it is likely that the students wouldn't have access to the new session books all through the vacations.

In some schools, teachers had passed on a few of the older copies of the books which were not in good condition and three-four students were seen sharing one book.

A larger number of students have taken admission in government schools this academic year, but they are lagging behind private school students due to the lack of books.

A teacher told India Today that due to the non-availability of books, the education of the government school children was being adversely affected.

"It's been two months that children are coming to school, but till now, no new book has been given by the government. Children from poor sections come to study in government schools, they cannot buy new books," government school teacher Asha Rani said.

"There are old books but they are torn. Three to four children are being seated and made to study from one book," she said.