PNS|Vijayawada
Ch. Nagarani, the Commissioner of the Technical Education Department and Chairperson of the State Board of Technical Education and Training, announced a significant milestone in the polytechnic education system. For the first time, board-prescribed textbooks are now readily available to students. Previously, there were no approved textbooks from the State Board of Technical Education and Training, but now, the board has provided authorized textbooks to students.
Nagarani emphasised that this achievement was made possible in the first phase through the leadership of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the collaboration of the government. This textbook project was initiated based on the Chief Minister’s directives to prepare students for national and international competitions. A total of 46 authors and 20 editors have contributed to the publication of these textbooks, and their content has been designed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Board of Accreditation to enhance learning outcomes.
Nagarani recalled that in the past, many books related to various subjects in polytechnic education were available in the market at high prices, yet they lacked validity in terms of subject knowledge. Given that most polytechnic students come from financially disadvantaged rural backgrounds, obtaining textbooks had been a challenge for them. To address this issue, the Board of Technical Education and Training initiated a substantial effort to print textbooks, aiming to supply high-quality textbooks and laboratory manuals at affordable prices. A review was conducted in May, resulting in the creation of a robust faculty.
Commissioner Nagarani explained that they have implemented a plan to provide textbooks at significantly lower prices than those available in the market. In the past, acquiring any book would cost students at least Rs 200 to Rs 300, but now, books with improved content are available for less than Rs 100.
Additionally, the State Board of Technical Education and Training offers a special 20 percent discount on the printed price. For the current academic year (2023-2024), 17 theory textbooks and 10 lab manuals have been published for six departments.
Nagarani also highlighted that these books are now accessible to students majoring in Automobile, Civil, Mechanical, Electronics and Communication, Electrical and Electronics, and Computer Engineering departments.
