Education Today
NCERT and UP Police Seize Over 5 Lakh Pirated Textbooks Worth Rs 20 Crores in Crackdown on Illegal Printing Networks
Education Today

NCERT and UP Police Seize Over 5 Lakh Pirated Textbooks Worth Rs 20 Crores in Crackdown on Illegal Printing Networks

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has intensified its efforts to combat the piracy of its textbooks, a serious violation of the Copyright Act, 1957. With a zero-tolerance policy towards counterfeit educational materials, NCERT, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Police and other authorities, has seized more than 5 lakh pirated textbooks, along with printing equipment and raw materials, valued at Rs 20 crore, over the past 14 months.

Massive Raids Lead to Significant Seizures and Arrests

The crackdown on counterfeit textbooks has seen multiple operations targeting illegal manufacturing hubs and warehouses. Over this period, 29 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against warehouse owners, printers, and sellers involved in this illicit trade.

The most recent and notable raid occurred in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, where authorities seized over 1.5 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks worth approximately Rs 2 crore. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of a truck and two cars loaded with counterfeit textbooks, along with numerous printing plates and other materials essential for large-scale counterfeit production. Eight individuals were arrested during this raid.

Earlier, a similar raid in Samalkha, Haryana, resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of printing machines, plates, and pirated textbooks, highlighting the extensive network of illegal activities across multiple states.

Impact of Pirated Textbooks on Students and Educational Standards

The circulation of counterfeit textbooks presents significant challenges for students and the education system. These fake books, often printed on substandard paper with inferior ink, not only compromise the quality of learning materials but also mislead students and parents who unknowingly purchase them. Poor print quality affects readability and durability, hampering the academic experience.

Moreover, the counterfeit racket results in substantial financial losses to NCERT and the government, thereby undermining efforts to provide affordable, high-quality textbooks to students nationwide.

NCERT’s Multi-Pronged Strategy to Combat Textbook Piracy

In response to the persistent issue of textbook piracy, NCERT has implemented several corrective and preventive measures aimed at protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring the availability of authentic textbooks for students.

1. Enhanced Printing Quality and Timely Availability

NCERT has mandated a significant upgrade in printing quality, including better paper and ink standards to distinguish genuine textbooks from counterfeits. The council has also focused on ensuring that textbooks are printed on time and adequately stocked in the market to meet student demand, thereby reducing the likelihood of counterfeit books filling the gap during shortages.

2. Strengthened Oversight on Printing and Distribution

Stricter inspections and controls have been implemented for manufacturers, printers, and distributors to clamp down on those involved in producing or selling pirated textbooks. These regulatory actions extend to cracking down on sources of counterfeit raw materials, such as a recent move against a paper mill in Kashipur that was found to be producing illegal NCERT watermarked paper.

3. Increasing Accessibility Through E-Commerce

NCERT has taken steps to make authentic textbooks easily accessible by ensuring their availability on popular e-commerce platforms at reasonable prices, often with no delivery charges. This strategy aims to deter students and parents from purchasing textbooks from unverified and potentially illegal sources.

4. Technological Intervention: IIT Kanpur’s Anti-Piracy Solution

To bolster security and curb piracy, NCERT is collaborating with IIT Kanpur to implement an advanced anti-piracy technology. This innovative solution will enhance the ability to detect and prevent the circulation of counterfeit textbooks, safeguarding both the intellectual property of NCERT and the welfare of students.

Call for Public Vigilance and Continued Enforcement

NCERT has reiterated its commitment to protecting its copyrighted materials and ensuring students have access to authentic, high-quality textbooks. The council has appealed to parents, schools, and vendors to remain vigilant when purchasing or distributing textbooks. Anyone encountering suspicious textbooks or irregularities is urged to report these concerns to the authorities promptly.

This call for community involvement complements ongoing enforcement efforts and is crucial to dismantling the extensive counterfeit network that affects millions of students annually.

Conclusion: A Critical Step Towards Protecting Educational Integrity

The seizure of over five lakh pirated NCERT textbooks and related equipment worth Rs 20 crore marks a significant victory in the fight against educational piracy. Through rigorous raids, legal action, improved printing standards, and technological innovations, NCERT and law enforcement agencies are sending a clear message that piracy will not be tolerated.

By safeguarding the quality and authenticity of educational materials, NCERT not only protects its intellectual property but also upholds the academic welfare of students across the country. Continued vigilance, strict enforcement, and public cooperation will be essential in sustaining these efforts and ensuring that every student receives genuine, reliable learning resources.