Chandigarh, April 24 -- From the 2026-27 academic session, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will directly supply books to Class 1 to 12 students studying in PSEB-affiliated private schools, ending the monopoly of authorised agencies and bookshops, said education minister Harjot Singh Bains. He said the decision was designed to improve transparency, reduce costs for families and ensure timely availability of textbooks without dependence on intermediaries. "Schools will strictly ensure that no amount beyond the discounted printed bill price is charged. This will benefit more than 10 lakh students of private schools," Bains said. The minister said the 15% discount, which was earlier extended to booksellers, will now directly benefit students through schools. He said PSEB had developed a dedicated e-commerce portal to streamline the process. Students will be able to place textbook demands through a mobile app or the portal, while schools will upload class-wise and subject-wise requirements digitally. "Each student will be provided with individual login credentials, enabling parents to place orders directly if required," he added. PSEB chairman Dr Amarpal Singh said the portal has been integrated with a secure online payment gateway....