Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered a thorough inquiry and strict action against officials of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) following an alleged lapse in defending its decision to blacklist a paper supplier before the Delhi High Court. The directive comes after NCERT representatives reportedly failed to appear in court, leading to interim relief for the supplier.
Accountability Sought for Legal Lapses
According to sources, Minister Pradhan has emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards administrative and legal oversights, particularly concerning textbook production and procurement. He has instructed that accountability be fixed for officials who did not take the necessary legal steps during court proceedings.
The Ministry of Education has also asked NCERT to examine several critical aspects of the case. These include how Bafna Global Venture Private Limited was initially selected despite allegedly not meeting eligibility criteria, why the company reportedly failed to adhere to the scheduled timeline for paper supply, and why NCERT was not represented in the Delhi High Court.
Delhi High Court Grants Interim Protection
The case stems from Bafna Global Venture Private Limited challenging an NCERT order dated June 22, which barred the company from participating in the council's procurement process for two years. During a hearing on June 24, with no NCERT representative present, the Delhi High Court granted interim protection to the company from any coercive action until further orders.
The court also restrained NCERT from invoking the company's bank guarantee, valued at over ₹6 crore. Bafna Global Venture Private Limited argued that delays in printing textbooks were due to the unavailability of hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent, impacted by ongoing international conflicts involving Iran.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing before the Delhi High Court on July 20.