Education Department Reclaims Students' Textbooks in Putao, Causing Summer Study Difficulties

Pajau Media

March 27, 2025

In Putao Township, the Education Department has begun reclaiming printed textbooks from students, making it difficult for them to study during the summer break, according to local students.

"This year, following instructions from the education office, all students’ textbooks were collected. This has made it extremely challenging to teach next year’s curriculum to children during the holidays," said a teacher from Putao.

The textbooks were reportedly confiscated after the final exams of the 2024-2025 academic year under the military-led education system.

"Even in local shops, it’s not easy to buy these textbooks. In Putao, schoolbooks are very hard to find. Parents have already paid the full printing fees when enrolling their children, so why are they being taken back? Even damaged books are being collected. We don’t understand this—it’s completely different from how things were under the previous government," the teacher added.

Although students had fully paid for their textbooks upon enrollment, the education office ordered schools to reclaim all books, including worn-out copies.

The confiscation applies to all textbooks from Kindergarten (KG) up to Grade 12.

As a result, the lack of textbooks has created difficulties for both students and teachers preparing lessons during the summer break. The reason behind the recall remains unclear, with even schoolteachers did not know the reason behind it.

 Reported by - Malihku