NCERT Cracks Down on Textbook Piracy: Over ₹20 Crore Worth of Pirated Books and Equipment Seized

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has taken strict measures against the printing and sale of fake books. More than 5 lakh fake NCERT books have been seized in the action taken in the last 14 months. This action was taken under the Copyright Act, 1957, which is a punishable offense. This campaign has been conducted in many states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana.

NCERT has not only seized books with the cooperation of the police, but printing machines and papers worth more than Rs 20 crore have also been recovered. During this action, 29 FIRs have been registered, which include the names of printing press owners, warehouse operators and retailers.

Recently a large warehouse was raided in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, in which more than 1.5 lakh fake books, a truck, two cars and several printing plates were recovered. 8 accused were arrested during this action. Additionally, a printing press was also raided in Samalkha, Haryana, from where a large number of fake books, machinery and printing plates were seized. Now the police is engaged in searching for the mastermind of this entire racket.

NCERT has improved the quality of printing of books and has made arrangements to deliver books to the students on time. Strict action is being taken against the sale and printing of pirated books, including a paper mill in Kashipur, which was producing fake paper with NCERT watermark. Now NCERT books are available on major e-commerce websites at authorized price and with free delivery. Additionally, new anti-piracy technology has been implemented in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, which will be implemented on all books from the next session.