The Ministry of Education has ordered an inquiry into the blacklisting of the company that supplies paper for NCERT textbooks. Here is the full story behind the controversy.

The issue regarding the blacklisting of the paper supplier for NCERT textbooks has now reached the Ministry of Education. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered an investigation into the matter. The Ministry will examine whether the action taken against the company followed due process and determine who is responsible for the negligence shown by NCERT in court proceedings. Both the Ministry of Education and the Delhi High Court are now keeping a close watch on the situation.

NCERT alleged that the paper supplier failed to deliver the paper on schedule. Consequently, the company was blacklisted for two years on June 22. Furthermore, the company was barred from participating in future NCERT tenders and procurement processes.

The company challenged this decision in the Delhi High Court. No official representing NCERT was present during the hearing. Granting interim relief to the company, the court restrained NCERT from encashing the company's bank guarantee, which is valued at over ₹6 crore.

Why did the Ministry of Education order an inquiry?

The Ministry of Education believes that NCERT failed to effectively present its case in court. For this reason, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered a probe into the entire matter. He has also stated that action will be taken against any official found to have been negligent.

What was the company's explanation?

The company maintains that the delay in supply was not caused by them. It claims that a crucial chemical used in paper manufacturing could not be procured on time due to the war in Iran, resulting in delays in both production and supply. The matter will now proceed on two fronts: the hearing will continue in the Delhi High Court, while the Ministry of Education conducts its own investigation. Once the inquiry report is submitted, it will be determined whether NCERT's actions were fully compliant with the rules. Additionally, accountability may be fixed for the officials who failed to properly present the case in court.