CM Pinarayi Vijayan to Inaugurate 2026–27 Textbook and Uniform Distribution Event on Feb 13th

Thiruvananthapuram: General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced that the state-level inauguration of the distribution of textbooks and uniforms for the 2026–27 academic year will be held on the 13th. The distribution will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at 4.30 pm at St. Mary’s School, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram.

The Minister said that the preliminary steps for printing textbooks for the 2026–27 academic year began as early as September 2025. In accordance with Store Purchase norms, the Stationery Department and the Kerala Books and Publications Society (KBPS) were entrusted with procuring paper for textbook printing. Administrative sanction of 111 crore rupees was granted for paper procurement.

Based on this order, the Stationery Department invited e-tenders to procure five types of paper and two types of card, and purchase approval amounting to 92 crore rupees was granted. Paper was procured from Paper and Board Limited, while card materials were sourced from Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited (TNPL).

Indenting for the 2026–27 academic year was completed in the first week of December 2025, and printing orders were issued to KBPS by the end of December. 3.5 crore textbooks were indented for Volume I, and 1.9 crore textbooks were indented for Volume II.

In comparison, during the 2025–26 academic year, 3.8 crore textbooks were indented for Volume I and 2.16 crore textbooks for Volume II. For the 2026–27 academic year, 68 lakh textbooks have already been printed.

Of the 68 lakh textbooks printed, 51 lakh textbooks have been transported to various KBPS hubs for distribution. Printing is currently progressing at the rate of 3 lakh textbooks per day. During the 2025–26 academic year, distribution began in the second week of March and was completed by the end of May.

The free uniform scheme, jointly implemented by the General Education Department and the Handloom Department, is carried out under two components: Free uniform scheme under the General Education Directorate and free handloom uniform scheme.

Handloom uniforms are provided through the Handloom Department to stand-alone LP and UP government schools, as well as aided LP schools from Classes 1 to 4. For children who do not receive handloom uniforms— Boys in APL category in government high schools (Classes 1 to 8). All students in aided high schools (Classes 1 to 8). All students in aided LP schools (Classes 1 to 5)—an allowance of 600 rupees per child for two pairs of uniforms is provided by the General Education Department.

For categories not covered under the above schemes— boys in BPL category in government high schools, SC/ST students, and all girl students—uniform assistance is provided through SSK.

According to data made available through the KITE website, 8,00,193 students are eligible for handloom uniform distribution for the 2026–27 academic year. The information has already been communicated to the Director of Industries, the Minister said while addressing the press.