In a massive blow to textbook piracy, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Police, has seized over 5 lakh pirated textbooks and equipment valued at more than ₹20 crore over the past 14 months. Announced on June 2, 2025, this crackdown targets illegal printing and distribution networks across India, protecting students and the education system from substandard, counterfeit materials. With 29 FIRs filed and innovative anti-piracy measures in place, NCERT is taking a stand against this widespread issue.
- Seizure Details: Over 5 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks, printing plates, and machinery worth ₹20 crore seized in 14 months.
- Raids and Arrests: 29 FIRs filed; eight arrested in Muzaffarnagar raid alone.
- Date Announced: June 2, 2025, by NCERT and Ministry of Education.
What Happened: Inside the Anti-Piracy Raids
- Muzaffarnagar Raid: Over 1.5 lakh pirated textbooks worth ₹2 crore, one truck, two cars, and printing plates seized.
- Haryana Operation: Printing press in Samalkha raided, recovering additional counterfeit books and machinery.
- Legal Action: 29 FIRs filed under the Copyright Act, 1957, against printers, warehouse owners, and retailers.
NCERT’s aggressive campaign began with a tip-off, leading to a major raid in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, where 1,33,092 pirated textbooks worth approximately ₹2.75 crore were confiscated, along with printing equipment. Eight individuals were arrested on the spot. A follow-up raid in Samalkha, Haryana, targeted a printing press, seizing more counterfeit books and printing plates used to produce fake NCERT materials. These operations, supported by the Ministry of Education, highlight NCERT’s zero-tolerance policy toward piracy, a cognizable offense under the Copyright Act, 1957.
Why Piracy Hurts: Impact on Education
- Health Risks: Poor-quality paper and toxic ink in pirated books pose health hazards to students.
- Financial Loss: Piracy deprives NCERT and the government of funds for libraries, scholarships, and teacher training.
- Educational Integrity: Counterfeit books often contain errors, undermining the quality of education.
Pirated textbooks aren’t just a financial scam—they’re a threat to students’ health and learning. Substandard materials can cause eye strain or allergic reactions due to low-quality ink and paper. Moreover, piracy siphons off revenue meant for educational resources, impacting 220 crore textbooks printed by NCERT since 1963. By selling fake books with forged NCERT emblems and signatures, criminals deceive students, parents, and schools, eroding trust in the system.
NCERT’s Anti-Piracy Measures
- Improved Quality: Enhanced paper and printing standards for genuine NCERT textbooks.
- Timely Availability: Ensuring sufficient stock in the market to reduce demand for pirated copies.
- E-Commerce Access: NCERT books available on major platforms at MRP with no delivery charges.
- IIT Kanpur Innovation: Tech-based anti-piracy solution piloted on 10 lakh copies, set to expand next year.
- Legal Crackdown: Action against a Kashipur paper mill producing fake NCERT watermarked paper.
NCERT is fighting back with a multi-pronged strategy. A new anti-piracy technology developed by IIT Kanpur replaces outdated watermarked paper, which pirates easily replicate. Piloted on 10 lakh copies of one title, this solution will roll out across all titles in the 2026–27 academic year. NCERT has also made textbooks accessible on e-commerce platforms, ensuring affordability and availability. Legal action against a Kashipur paper mill producing counterfeit watermarked paper further strengthens their efforts.
Collaborative Efforts and Ongoing Investigations
- UP Police Partnership: Key raids in Muzaffarnagar led to significant seizures and arrests.
- Delhi Crackdown: Over 1.7 lakh pirated books worth ₹2.4 crore seized; three arrested, including a father-son duo.
- Nationwide Reach: Raids in states like Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu uncover widespread piracy networks.
The UP Police played a pivotal role, with Muzaffarnagar Police recovering 1.5 lakh books and vehicles loaded with counterfeit stock. In Delhi, a separate operation busted a racket run by Prashant Gupta, Nishant Gupta, and Arvind Kumar, seizing 1.7 lakh books worth ₹2.4 crore after a tip-off on May 16, 2025. Raids in Bhubaneswar (₹10 lakh worth of books) and Kochi (₹2 lakh worth) show the issue spans India. Investigations continue to trace the masterminds behind these networks, targeting illegal presses, distributors, and vendors.
How You Can Help
- Report Piracy: Notify NCERT at pd.ncert@nic.in if you spot pirated books.
- Buy Authentic: Purchase NCERT textbooks from authorized sellers or e-commerce platforms.
- Spread Awareness: Educate schools and parents about the risks of pirated materials.
NCERT urges students, parents, and teachers to report instances of pirated textbook sales to curb this menace. Buying from trusted sources ensures access to high-quality, error-free books that meet educational standards. Awareness is key—pirated books not only violate copyright laws but also harm students’ learning experiences.
NCERT’s Commitment to Quality Education
- Legacy: Over 220 crore textbooks published since 1963.
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: Rigorous action against piracy to protect students and revenue.
- Future Plans: Expand IIT Kanpur’s anti-piracy tech to all titles by 2026–27.
NCERT’s crackdown, backed by 29 FIRs and nationwide raids, reflects its dedication to delivering quality education. By collaborating with police and leveraging technology, NCERT is safeguarding its legacy of providing affordable, reliable textbooks to millions. The IIT Kanpur anti-piracy solution promises to make piracy harder, ensuring students get authentic materials. Follow @ncert or @Uppolice on X for updates, or visit ncert.nic.in for more details.
