Govt orders verification of library books in basic schools

Lucknow: The state govt will undertake a district-wise verification of the supply and payment details of books purchased for libraries in selected council-run schools under the Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI schemes for the financial year 2025-26.

The move is part of the initiative to make the education system more transparent, accountable and outcome-oriented. Detailed guidelines have been issued to all districts, directing them to provide certified information in a prescribed format.

As part of the verification exercise, records related to the supply and payment of books purchased for school libraries will be reviewed to assess the actual situation and ensure that resources are being used for their intended purpose.

District basic education officers have been directed to verify the details submitted by selected publishers and suppliers against records available at the district level. After verification, certified information will be sent to the govt for further review.

Based on the reports received from districts, a state-level assessment will be conducted to determine the status of book supply and payment arrangements. The exercise is also expected to support better resource management and more effective utilization of educational materials in the future.

Officials said the verification process will further strengthen administrative accountability and help ensure that resources provided to schools are utilized in line with their intended objectives.