Agartala, Tripura, January 30 (HBTV): An inquiry committee from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), led by Chief Business Manager Amitabha Kumar, conducted raids at various bookstores across Agartala on Thursday.   

The police seized a significant number of fake academic books during the operation. Among the bookstores raided was one of the largest suppliers of books to private schools.

Speaking to the media, Kumar stated, ‘We received complaints from Agartala that the market is flooded with fake books. Based on these complaints, a committee was formed to investigate. We surveyed the market in the initial days, and then, with the assistance of the police, we raided the shops selling these counterfeit books.’

When asked about the differences between fake and original books, Kumar explained, ‘All our books are printed on 80 GSM paper, whereas the fake books are printed on 50 GSM paper. The printing quality is substandard, making it difficult for students to use them throughout the year due to their poor durability.’

The NCERT official further emphasized that bookstores prefer selling fake books to earn extra profits. ‘NCERT offers a flat 20% margin for bookstores, but unscrupulous publishers who print unauthorized copies offer a 40% margin,’ he pointed out, adding that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in the illegal sale of fake books.