Bengaluru: Though classes for the 2021-22 academic year are set to begin from July 1, the students may find it hard to get their textbooks with the authorities stating that the new set of books will be available only in September.

The Karnataka Text Books Society (KTBS) has issued directions to all Block Education Officers (BEOs) to procure textbooks from old students and distribute the same to children this year through book banks.

The communication to BEOs reads, “During the academic year 2020-21, textbooks have been supplied free of cost to all Government and aided schools for grades 1 to 10, in all mediums. This year also measures have been taken to provide free textbooks, but due to COVID-19 pandemic and Statewide lockdown, the process has been delayed”

Considering the interest of students, the officials concerned at the local level should collect previous year’s textbooks which are in good condition from the students and distribute them to students this year through book banks.”

According to sources from KTBS, the tender process for the printing of textbooks is underway.