NCERT Cracks down on Pirated Textbooks
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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is India’s premier organization for developing and distributing educational materials, particularly textbooks. Recently, it has been actively combating the issue of pirated textbooks, which undermine educational quality and violate the Copyright Act, 1957. Piracy not only leads to revenue loss for NCERT but also affects students by providing substandard materials, often containing errors or outdated content.
Recent Raid in Muzaffarnagar
On June 2, 2025, NCERT, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh police, executed a major raid in Muzaffarnagar’s Khatauli area. Research suggests over 1.5 lakh counterfeit NCERT textbooks, valued at approximately Rs 2 crore, were seized. The operation also led to the confiscation of one truck, two cars loaded with pirated books, and a large number of printing plates used in their production. Eight individuals involved in the piracy racket were arrested during this action, as reported in multiple news sources (India Today, News18).
This specific raid is part of a series of actions, with another recent operation in Samalkha, Haryana, where additional printing plates, machinery, and pirated textbooks were seized, as noted in the summary from a news article. These efforts underscore NCERT’s commitment to dismantling the infrastructure supporting textbook piracy.
Broader Anti-Piracy Campaign
The Muzaffarnagar raid is not an isolated incident but part of a sustained campaign against piracy. Over the last 14 months, NCERT has seized more than 5 lakh copies of pirated textbooks, with the total value of seized items, including printing paper and machinery, exceeding Rs 20 crore. This crackdown has spanned multiple states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Bihar, with 29 FIRs registered against printers, warehouse owners, and retailers involved in the piracy racket, as reported in .
NCERT’s zero-tolerance policy is rooted in the recognition that pirated textbooks compromise educational standards, affecting students and educators alike. The organization has emphasized the economic impact, with significant revenue losses affecting its ability to provide affordable, high-quality textbooks.
Technological Advancements in Anti-Piracy
To enhance its efforts, NCERT has partnered with IIT Kanpur to develop a technology-based anti-piracy solution. This innovative approach has been piloted on 10 lakh copies of one textbook title, with plans to scale it up to all titles in the next academic year. The solution aims to replace older methods, such as watermarked paper, with more robust technological measures like QR codes and holograms to prevent counterfeiting, as mentioned in news reports.
This initiative reflects NCERT’s proactive stance in leveraging technology to protect its intellectual property and ensure the authenticity of educational materials. The pilot’s success is seen as a stepping stone toward a more secure distribution system, potentially reducing the incidence of piracy in the future.
Public Engagement and Investigation
The ongoing investigation into the Muzaffarnagar raid is focused on identifying the masterminds behind the piracy network. Authorities are working to trace the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution, to dismantle the entire operation. NCERT has called on the public to report any instances of pirated textbooks, emphasizing the role of community involvement in curbing this illegal practice. Reports can be made through the official email pd.ncert@nic.in, as noted in the news summary.
X posts from early June 2025, such as one by
@rmulko
on June 5, 2025, highlighted the counterfeit books’ mimicry of original NCERT textbooks, including layout and barcode design, intended to mislead students and parents . Another post by
@ncert
on June 3, 2025, announced the seizure and arrests, amplifying public awareness .
Comparative Analysis of Seizure Figures
To provide clarity on the reported figures, the following table summarizes the key details from various sources:
Location | Date | Pirated Books Seized | Value (Rs Crore) | Arrests | Additional Items Seized |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Muzaffarnagar | June 2, 2025 | Over 1.5 lakh | 2 | 8 | Truck, 2 cars, printing plates |
Samalkha, Haryana | Recent (2025) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Printing plates, machinery, pirated textbooks |
Nationwide (14 months) | Ongoing | Over 5 lakh | Over 20 (total) | Not specified | Printing paper, machinery |
This table highlights the scale of NCERT’s operations, with the Muzaffarnagar raid being a significant component of their recent activities. The slight variations in reported numbers (e.g., 1.33 lakh vs. 1.5 lakh books) are likely due to rounding or reporting differences, but the consensus leans toward approximately 1.5 lakh books for the Muzaffarnagar seizure.
Implications and Future Outlook
The crackdown on pirated textbooks has significant implications for educational integrity and copyright enforcement in India. By targeting both the supply and distribution chains, NCERT aims to deter future piracy and protect its intellectual property. The introduction of advanced anti-piracy technology is a forward-looking measure, potentially setting a precedent for other educational bodies.
However, the challenge remains in identifying and prosecuting the masterminds behind these operations, which often operate across state lines. The ongoing investigation and public reporting mechanisms are critical to sustaining this momentum. As NCERT scales up its technological solutions, it is likely to see a reduction in piracy, but continuous vigilance will be necessary.
Conclusion
NCERT’s recent raid in Muzaffarnagar, seizing over 1.5 lakh pirated textbooks worth Rs 2 crore, underscores its commitment to combating textbook piracy. With eight arrests and additional seizures, this operation is part of a broader campaign that has seen over 5 lakh books confiscated in the last 14 months. The organization’s adoption of technology-based solutions and public engagement strategies positions it well to address this issue, ensuring the integrity of educational materials for students across India.