Gujarat Free Textbooks Sold on Amazon? Congress Seeks Probe

AHMEDABAD : Books meant to reach eligible Gujarat students free of cost are allegedly turning up for sale online, triggering sharp questions over the state’s textbook distribution system. Gujarat Congress has demanded an investigation after textbooks carrying a government free-distribution marking were allegedly listed on Amazon for ₹160 to ₹250 or more.

Congress spokesperson and media coordinator Hemang Raval alleged that covers of some books listed online carry the words, “Book under State Government’s free distribution scheme.” Despite the marking, the books are allegedly being offered for commercial sale.

The controversy has put the Gujarat State Textbook Board under scrutiny, with Congress demanding answers on how government-scheme books allegedly entered the commercial supply chain.

According to the allegations, books for subjects including Computer Science, History, Accounts, Psychology and Yoga for Classes 9, 11 and 12 were listed at prices ranging from ₹160 to ₹250 or more.

“This raises a basic question: if these books are meant for free distribution, how did they reach an online seller?” Raval said, demanding a complete investigation.

Congress has sought details of the alleged seller, supplier and approval process. It has also asked who authorised the listings, how the stock moved out of the official system and which entity was receiving the sale proceeds.

The party has further questioned an alleged ₹5 marketplace fee charged on Amazon orders.

Amazon confirms that its marketplace fee is a flat ₹5 charge on eligible customer orders, inclusive of applicable taxes.

Congress has also linked the controversy to complaints over delayed textbook distribution and demanded clarity on whether the online sales arrangement was intended to improve access for students.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat State Textbook Board has reportedly said it would place a sample order to verify whether the books being sold are genuine government-distribution copies. The board indicated that legal action could follow if the allegation is established.

The issue is significant because Gujarat’s free textbook programme is intended to ensure access to prescribed books without adding a financial burden on eligible students. The government’s scheme framework provides free textbooks to students in government schools.

Congress has demanded disclosure of stock movement, suppliers, sellers, approvals, transactions and responsibility for any irregularity.

If an official investigation confirms that books meant for free distribution were diverted for commercial sale, the party has sought legal and disciplinary action against those responsible.