Government pre‑university colleges across Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan and Chamarajanagar are still waiting for science and language textbooks. MLC K. Vivekananda raised the issue in the Legislative Council, prompting the Education Minister to vow immediate action.

  • 131 government PU colleges in four districts lack textbooks.
  • Only 13,72,096 of the required 27,22,363 copies have been distributed.
  • Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa pledged urgent supply measures.

Member of the Legislative Council K. Vivekananda highlighted that many government pre‑university (PU) colleges in Karnataka are still without science and language textbooks, even though the academic year is well underway. The shortage affects colleges in Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan and Chamarajanagar districts.

According to Vivekananda, the state needed 27,22,363 copies of science textbooks, but only 13,72,096 have reached students so far. Several institutions also reported that language textbooks have not been supplied, disrupting regular classroom instruction.

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When the matter was raised in the Legislative Council, Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa acknowledged the gap and announced that steps have been taken to dispatch the remaining books immediately. He emphasized that future distributions will be completed before colleges commence their sessions.

Pre‑university education in Karnataka serves as a critical bridge between secondary school and higher studies, especially for science, commerce and arts streams. Timely availability of textbooks directly influences student performance, state literacy rates, and ultimately, the region’s skilled workforce.

Historically, Karnataka has faced periodic textbook distribution challenges, notably during the 2020‑21 monsoon season when logistical bottlenecks delayed supplies to rural colleges. Those delays prompted temporary digital solutions and exam schedule adjustments.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that delayed textbook supply not only hampers immediate learning outcomes but also widens the educational divide between urban and rural students, potentially affecting Karnataka’s long‑term human capital development.

"Ensuring that basic learning resources reach students on time is a cornerstone of any state's competitiveness," said Dr. Anita Singh, education policy expert.
Did You Know?: In 2019, Karnataka enrolled over 12 million students in pre‑university courses, the second‑highest in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will all government PU colleges receive textbooks soon?

A: The Education Minister has promised that the remaining copies will be distributed within the next two weeks, though actual timelines depend on district‑level logistics.

Q2: What support is available for students currently without books?

A: Some colleges are providing supplementary digital material and extra tutorial sessions as a stop‑gap, but these measures are temporary.