New Delhi: The Centre has ordered an inquiry into the role of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) officials after the council failed to defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier before the Delhi High Court. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed that responsibility be fixed on those responsible for the legal lapse and sought strict action against officials who did not follow the required procedures.
The case involves Bafna Global Venture Private Limited, which approached the Delhi High Court after NCERT issued an order on June 22 blacklisting the company for two years and barring it from participating in the council’s procurement process. The company challenged the decision before the court on June 24.
During the hearing, no representative from NCERT appeared to present the council’s case. As a result, the Delhi High Court granted interim protection to the company from coercive action until further orders and restrained NCERT from invoking a bank guarantee worth more than Rs 6 crore submitted by the supplier.
The Education Ministry has taken serious note of the absence of NCERT officials during the proceedings. The minister has reportedly directed that accountability be established, stressing a zero tolerance approach towards administrative and legal lapses, particularly in matters related to textbook production and procurement.
The ministry has also instructed NCERT to investigate several aspects of the case. These include how Bafna Global Venture Private Limited was selected despite allegedly not fulfilling the required eligibility conditions, why the company later failed to maintain the agreed paper supply schedule, and how the council’s case was left unrepresented before the High Court.
In its submissions before the court, the company argued that delays in supplying paper for textbook printing were caused by a shortage of hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent used in paper manufacturing. The shortage was attributed to disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran.
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on July 20, while the Centre’s inquiry into the conduct of NCERT officials is expected to determine whether disciplinary action will follow.
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