By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: The District Education Officer (DEO) kicked off the distribution of free books among thousands of students enrolled in state-run schools in Khyber, officials said on Saturday.
Talking to Fata Voice News Agency, Assistant District Education Officer and education department spokesman Tahir Afridi said that on the directives of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi, they would distribute free books in 95 middle, high, and higher secondary schools. He said around 10,000 students would benefit from it in middle, high, and higher secondary schools. He said they have also started free book provision in 401 primary schools in Landikotal, Jamrud, and Bara, where they are expected to serve about 75,000 students.
Tahir Afridi said that according to government rules, 50 percent of new books and 50 percent of old books being recollected from ex-students in each school would be given to each student in all schools.
Afridi said the delay in the supply of books to Khyber education has affected students and created serious challenges for students and teachers alike.
Tahir Afridi stated that authorities were trying to manage the shortage by recollecting used books from former students. Despite these efforts, he admitted that only half of the demand could currently be met.
He further highlighted that delayed and insufficient book supply has become a recurring issue every year, disrupting students’ education and learning progress
