Gujarat Announces Free Textbooks for Students In Flood-Hit Areas

The Gujarat government has announced that students in flood-affected areas will receive free replacement textbooks after heavy rainfall and flooding damaged educational materials in several parts of the state. The initiative covers students studying in government and grant-in-aid schools whose textbooks were ruined due to waterlogging either at their homes or in school premises. The Gujarat State School Textbook Board has been directed to ensure that replacement books are supplied immediately so that students can continue their studies without disruption.

The decision was taken proactively by the state government following consultations with ministers, even though no formal requests had been received from students or schools. Gujarat State School Textbook Board Executive President Manubhai Pavra said the government anticipated that prolonged flooding could have damaged textbooks stored in homes and educational institutions. He said the board decided to act in advance to minimise the impact of the floods on students' education and prevent interruptions to the academic year.

Officials said the exact number of beneficiaries will be determined after schools submit details of students whose textbooks were damaged. Educational institutions in the affected regions have been asked to assess losses and forward their requirements to the Textbook Board, which will coordinate the distribution of replacement books. The initiative aims to ensure that all eligible students receive new textbooks as quickly as possible once the assessment process is completed.

Also Read: Heavy Rain Triggers Gujarat Floods, Thousands Evacuated In Rescue Operations

The Gujarat State School Textbook Board has sufficient stock to support the relief effort. According to officials, nearly seven crore textbooks for Classes I to XII were printed for the current academic session, of which around 4.9 crore copies were distributed to government and grant-in-aid schools last month. The remaining inventory is expected to help meet the additional demand arising from the flood-related losses without affecting the regular supply of textbooks across the state.

Several districts in Gujarat have experienced heavy rainfall in recent weeks, resulting in waterlogging, flooding and disruption to normal life. Along with damage to homes and public infrastructure, many families have reported losses of essential household items, including educational materials. By replacing damaged textbooks free of cost, the government hopes to reduce the burden on affected families and ensure that students do not fall behind in their studies due to circumstances beyond their control.

The announcement forms part of the state's broader relief and rehabilitation measures following the recent floods. Education authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining uninterrupted learning for students despite the natural disaster. Once schools complete the assessment of damaged textbooks, the Gujarat State School Textbook Board will begin distributing replacements to eligible students, enabling them to resume their academic activities with minimal disruption.

Also Read: Gujarat Battles Escalating Flood Crisis; 22,000 Relocated, 1,200 Rescued