National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), which under education ministry regulates curriculum, production and distribution of textbooks, had decided for the very first time to have seven books for class IX and X printed by private publishers for the academic year 2005. These are for algebra, general science, social science, physics, history, English grammar and business studies (Byabsa Porichity).

The rationale behind such decision was to upgrade curriculum and unload some of its responsibilities, said sources.

Earlier the NCTB formed Independent Textbook Evaluation Committee (ITEC) comprising academics, government officials and private sector representatives to evaluate books.

The committee so far has finalised selection of six books, four on November 28 and two on December 2.

It had decided to approve several textbooks for a particular subject. Primarily as many as 16 books have been selected for general science, 27 for business studies, 22 for algebra, 18 for history, eight for social science-8 and 13 for physics.

So many books on one subject would confuse the students and indulge discrimination in standard of education, alleged one teacher.

Besides, it will confuse the teachers evaluating exam sheets of the public examinations, said the teacher seeking anonymity.

Senior officials of the NCTB at a parliamentary committee meeting had earlier gave assurance that students will get books for the next academic year timely. NCTB Chairperson Dilara Hafiz could not be reached for comment.

The NCTB will hand over printing of 71 textbooks to private sector in 2006 and 2007.