Piracy Crackdown: NCERT seizes over 5 lakh pirated textbooks in 14 months; files 29 FIRs against offenders

In a continued crackdown on piracy, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in coordination with state police, has seized more than 5 lakhs pirated NCERT textbooks over the past 14 months. During this period, 29 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against individuals involved in printing, warehousing, and retailing pirated NCERT textbooks.

These enforcement actions, carried out under the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1957, also resulted in the confiscation of large quantities of printing paper and machinery valued at over Rs 20 crore. As per the official press release, recently, NCERT, along with Uttar Pradesh Police, raided a warehouse in Muzaffarnagar where over 1.5 lakh pirated textbooks were recovered.

These were estimated to be worth over Rs 2 crore. Officials also seized a truck, two cars filled with pirated textbooks and several printing plates. Eight individuals were arrested during the operation.

“Continuing its drive against such criminals, NCERT, along with the UP Police, conducted a raid on a warehouse in Muzaffarnagar and seized over 1.5 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks worth over Rs. 2 Crore, one truck, and two cars loaded with pirated textbooks, as well as a large number of printing plates. Eight accused were arrested on the spot,” the official press release said.

Following this, a printing press in Samalkha, Haryana, was raided, leading to the recovery of pirated textbooks, printing plates and machinery. Further investigation is underway to identify the masterminds behind the racket of manufacturing, distributing, and selling pirated NCERT textbooks.

Free delivery via e-commerce platforms

To address the issue of textbook piracy, NCERT has implemented several measures. These include improving the quality of paper and printing, ensuring the timely availability of textbooks in sufficient quantities, and taking legal action against those involved in the pirated textbook trade.

Action has also been taken against a paper mill in Kashipur that was found to be producing counterfeit NCERT watermarked paper. To improve access, NCERT textbooks are now available on major e-commerce platforms at the printed price with no delivery charges.

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IIT Kanpur develops anti-piracy feature for NCERT

In addition, NCERT has introduced a technology-based anti-piracy feature developed by IIT Kanpur. This solution has been tested on 10 lakh copies of one title and will be extended to all titles in the next academic year, replacing watermarked paper that has been compromised by piracy.

NCERT has urged students, parents and teachers to report any sale of pirated textbooks to pd.ncert@nic.in. The council has said that enforcement efforts will continue.

“NCERT shall continue its action against criminals indulging in the printing, distribution and sale of pirated NCERT textbooks. Students, parents and teachers are requested to kindly bring to the notice of NCERT any instance of the sale of pirated NCERT textbooks at pd.ncert[at]nic[dot]in,” the official press release said.