The Punjab Education Minister Om Prakash Soni today issued strict direction to the officers to ensure the distribution of text books to the students one month before the session starts.These instructions were issued by the minister during a high level meeting with the officers of the Punjab School Education Board. The Minister also asked that printing process should also be completed well before time so as the students may be able to get the text books one month before the next session. Mr. Soni took strong exception of the reports of piling up of unused text books stocked in the board and its depots. He directed the officers to personally inspect all the stores and depots and make the inventory of the piled up stock of undistributed text books.
Education Minister asked the officers to coordinate with the Social Welfare department to get the dues worth Rs.250 crore, pending on account of supply of text books. The officers were also instructed to take up the similar cases of outstanding payment with various departments.Minister asked the officers to fill the vacant posts in the board as early as possible. He said that Board of Directors meeting should be held every month instead of three months to make the board's performance better. Earlier, Mr Soni interacted with the students and their parents, who were present at the board and also listened to their problems.Chairman Mr. Manohar Kant Kalohiya, DGSE-cum-Vice Chairman, Punjab School Education Board Mr. Prashant Kumar Goyal and Board Secretary Mrs. Hargunjit Kaur were also present in the meeting.