Association of Publishers in India welcomes the Hon’ble Delhi High Court decision to allow sale of non-NCERT books in CBSE-run schools

New Delhi: The Association of Publishers in India (API), a representative body of publishers engaged in development of school, higher education, reference, academic and other texts, has welcomed the Hon’ble Delhi High Court’s decision to allow sale of both NCERT and non-NCERT books in CBSE run schools. The ruling, in addition to providing convenience to children and parents, will also enable them to choose books depending on their preference.

The court decision exemplifies the point that an ideal education system is the one that recognizes the role of multiple stakeholders and is leaner-centric. The decision has been welcomed by not just students and parents but also by schools, private publishers, authors and others as it symbolizes ‘freedom of choice’ in education.
Private publishers in India, who have invested in developing quality and pedagogically advanced content – in addition to investing in digital resources and teacher training, have welcomed this ruling. Publishers have significantly contributed to India’s position as a global knowledge super power and there must be a level playing field for them to feel incentivised about developing original and high-quality content.
The Association of Publishers in India wholeheartedly welcomed the education related announcements made by the honourable Finance Minister during the budget speech earlier this month – the Government’s intent to move from blackboards to digital boards bears testimony to its futuristic view of education and its acceptance of digital and other new mediums. API members firmly believe that a multi-stakeholder role, public-private partnership and ‘freedom of choice’ are the key tenets of a successful formative education system.