NCERT Procurement Row: Education Ministry Seeks Accountability After Court Setback

The Union government has ordered strict action against officials of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) following alleged administrative and legal lapses linked to a paper procurement dispute that reached the Delhi High Court . The move underscores the Centre's emphasis on institutional accountability and transparent procurement practices in textbook production.

According to official sources, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan directed a detailed inquiry after it emerged that NCERT officials failed to effectively defend the council's decision to blacklist Bafna Global Venture Private Limited . The company had been barred for two years from participating in NCERT procurement processes through an order issued on June 22.

The firm challenged the blacklisting before the Delhi High Court on June 24. During the hearing, no representative appeared on behalf of NCERT. The court subsequently granted interim protection to the company from coercive action and restrained the council from invoking a bank guarantee worth over Rs 6 crore until further orders.

Sources said the minister has instructed that responsibility be fixed on officials who failed to take necessary legal measures, describing the lapse as unacceptable. He has also sought strict legal action against officers found to have disregarded court-related responsibilities.

The Education Ministry has additionally asked NCERT to examine the circumstances under which the supplier was selected despite allegedly failing to meet prescribed eligibility conditions. The review will also assess why the company reportedly failed to maintain the agreed paper supply schedule and how the council's case remained unrepresented before the court.

In its submission, Bafna Global Venture Private Limited argued that delays in paper production were caused by a shortage of hydrogen peroxide , a key bleaching agent, claiming supplies were disrupted due to the conflict involving Iran.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing in the Delhi High Court on July 20 , while the government's inquiry is expected to focus on procurement irregularities, administrative responsibility and strengthening accountability mechanisms within NCERT.