Over 35,000 students enrolled in 117 government schools across Chandigarh are currently dependent on photocopied materials and digital printouts of their lessons, as there has been a significant delay in the distribution of textbooks for the new academic year.

This situation has arisen following a recent decision by the authorities to extend the provision of free textbooks up to Class 12, effective from the 2026-27 academic year. Previously, this benefit was only applicable to students up to Class 8.

Nitish Singla, the Director of School Education, informed The Indian Express that the textbooks are expected to be delivered shortly. “We have already distributed hard copies of the chapters for the time being. Our intention is to provide textbooks at no cost to students in classes 9 through 12, and we have already placed the necessary orders,” he explained.

Singla noted that while classes 9 and 10 have commenced, classes 11 and 12 have yet to start. He further explained the background of the textbook shortage: “In the past, textbooks were provided free of charge only for students up to Class 8, and those in classes 9 to 12 had to buy their own. This year, however, as part of the administrator’s initiative, it has been decided to extend free textbooks to all students up to Class 12.”

The government has allocated approximately Rs 4 crore for the procurement of these textbooks, but the administration is still awaiting their arrival.

Hina Rohtaki serves as a Special Correspondent for The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she covers a range of topics including the local administration, civic issues, and the distinctive political dynamics of the Union Territory.

Professional Background
Rohtaki has over a decade of experience in journalism and is recognized for her investigative reporting on governmental inefficiencies and urban governance. She has received several accolades, including the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. In addition, she was awarded the Jethmalani prize in 2025 for a series of articles that spotlighted the hardships faced by Covid widows.

Core Focus
Her primary areas of interest include the administrative framework of Chandigarh, the financial management of the Union Territory, and various urban development initiatives.

Recent Significant Articles (Late 2025)
Rohtaki’s recent reporting emphasizes government accountability, administrative spending, and civic trends:

• Investigative & Financial Reporting
  “Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs” (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece detailing the excessive fuel consumption by top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff.
• “Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height” (Dec 8, 2025): An examination of administrative waste related to pedestrian safety measures.
• “Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now” (Nov 27, 2025): Coverage of the new requirement for Ministry of Home Affairs approval for all new projects within the UT.

• Governance & Constitutional Status
  “What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?” (Nov 24, 2025): An explanatory article discussing potential constitutional changes affecting the governance of the UT.
• “MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure” (Dec 6, 2025): Reporting on legislative efforts aimed at reforming the municipal leadership structure in Chandigarh.
• “No proposal to increase Mayor’s term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre” (Dec 10, 2025): Coverage of the Union government’s stance on proposals to extend the mayoral term.

• Urban Infrastructure & Environment
  “Chandigarh admn cuts power to India’s tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it” (Nov 17, 2025): A critical piece on the failure of a costly environmental project deemed ineffective by experts.
• “UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar” (Nov 26, 2025): A report detailing the financial obstacles and delays in upgrading the city’s water supply system.
• “Centre ‘obfuscating, covering up’ MC’s shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump” (Dec 12, 2025): Investigative coverage of the ongoing controversies surrounding the city’s major waste management issues.

• Lifestyle & Local Trends
  “Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge” (Dec 2, 2025): A feature highlighting a unique automotive trend in the city, marked by a record number of female drivers this year.
• “After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh” (Dec 2, 2025): An analysis of the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption following previous growth.

Signature Beat
Rohtaki is known for her diligent tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to reveal administrative inefficiencies. Her investigative reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and scrutiny of Smart City projects have established her as a vital voice in the discourse surrounding civil society in Chandigarh.

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