The books weighing 10 tonnes and meant for free distribution at government schools were sold for Rs 90,000 to scrap dealer Asraf Ibrahim who alerted the authorities. The matter came to light when Asraf opened the packets of “scrap” which had arrived in three trucks.
On scrutiny, he found them to be this year’s textbooks for standard VIII to XII and alerted a local journalist, who in turn informed the police and the collector’s office. Officials confirmed the books were of the current syllabus.
An inquiry has been initiated into the incident by the state education department.
Bhavnagar Mayor Suresh Dhandaliya said the issue had been brought to the notice of the administration and the authorities concerned have been asked to look into the matter.
“Initial reports suggest the books were received from a primary school at Vayukar village, 15 km from Bhavnagar city,” said Bhadresh Oza, in-charge District Education Officer. The school building serves as a godown for the District Education Office to store textbooks, from where a dealer reportedly bought it for Rs 25,000.
He then sold the books to one Jamal Ghanchi for Rs 60,000 who then sold it off to Ibrahim for Rs 90,000.
(Published 30 June 2011, 18:42 IST)