KOHAT, April 22: Students here have been facing shortage of books of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board though the classes under the new academic year started almost three weeks ago.

In some schools the students have been unable to start studies in their new classes. The private and government schools had announced the results of annual examinations of all classes three weeks ago, but the books of some new courses were not made available in the market.

A bookseller Nafees told Dawn that some shopkeepers went to the textbook board a few days ago and placed an order for 7,500 books. However, he claimed that after waiting for over five hours they could get only 1,050 books. He complained that they had deposited money in the bank, but every day the board officials were making excuses to give them the ordered books.

Besides, the students from far-flung villages and towns visiting the city bazaar return disappointed after knowing that the stock for the day has finished. The students have already paid their fee of new admissions, but their time is being wasted due to unavailability of books.

One book seller said that the board officials were telling them that the printing of books had been delayed due to late purchase of paper. The shopkeepers and students have demanded an inquiry into delay in the provision of books.