The education ministry orders an inquiry into NCERT over a blacklisting decision involving a textbook paper supplier, following a Delhi High Court stay on coercive action. According to reports, Bafna Global Venture Private Limited approached the court on June 24 after NCERT issued a blacklisting order on June 22, barring the firm for two years from participating in NCERT’s procurement process for textbook paper. The dispute centers on the supplier’s failure to meet the delivery timeline under the paper supply arrangement.
At the hearing, no NCERT officials appeared, but the Delhi High Court granted the supplier relief from immediate coercive measures. The court also restricted NCERT from invoking a bank guarantee worth over ₹6 crore, pending further proceedings. A subsequent hearing is scheduled for July 20.
Separately, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan directs “strict action” against officers deemed responsible for lapses, citing reports that NCERT did not effectively defend its blacklisting decision in court. The ministry’s probe is intended to examine the procurement and blacklisting process and the handling of the legal challenge.
