Minister of Basic Education Sivive Gwarube stated that the investigation into the awarding of a contract for textbooks worth 285 million rand to Lighthouse Publishers must be conducted in a way that does not impede students' access to adequate educational and methodological materials.
Responding to questions from Parliament by MP DA Diseri van der Walt on Thursday, Gwarube reported that the investigation did not prevent the publication of the catalogue. However, she clarified that it might affect certain aspects of the implementation schedule, including provincial ordering procedures, depending on the outcomes and any necessary corrective measures.
Gwarube responded to Van der Walt's query regarding the progress of the independent external investigation into the contract after it became known in April that the department allocated part of the 285 million rand textbook contract from a total of 1.6 billion rand to the newly established Lighthouse Publishers, despite its lack of previous publishing experience.
The Minister emphasized the need to protect both accountability and student access. She explained that the purpose of the investigation is not to delay the provision of educational and methodological materials, but to ensure the legality, educational justification, and feasibility of the catalogue process without putting provinces, schools, or students at risk.
Gwarube added that she has requested the department to urgently manage this matter, provide a practical supply plan, revised timelines if necessary, and preventative measures to ensure timely availability of quality materials for the initial phase of learning in the 2027 academic year.
Regarding the progress of the investigation, the minister reported that the National Early Learning Catalogue process has been subjected to an independent external investigation, in addition to internal audit work already conducted or underway within the department. She noted that she would not comment in advance on the findings or recommendations of the independent investigation, which is expected to conclude in July.
In response to a separate set of questions from MP Rise Mzansi Makashule Ghana on Friday, Gwarube stated that since taking office in July 2024, no contract awarded by the Department of Basic Education has been subject to investigation, other than the National Early Learning Catalogue. She clarified that this catalogue is a list of approved titles and publishers from which provincial education departments and schools can purchase educational and methodological materials.
The Minister specified that the catalogue itself is not a contract award, does not guarantee an order placement, and does not create an obligation on the department to procure from the publisher. She reported that the impact of the investigation lies in ensuring and providing relevant records to the independent investigator, cooperating with the investigation, and fulfilling additional management and oversight processes required concerning the catalogue. The department has notified that the use of the catalogue for placing orders by provincial education departments and schools is suspended until the investigation is concluded.
The Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Saturday that he has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He attributed his decision to deep concern caused by ongoing student protests and increasing political pressure.
Pradhan's resignation comes amid demands from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which insists on his departure to hold him accountable for irregularities found in various state examinations. Thousands of students are protesting in Janthar Mantar and other parts of the country, demanding reforms in the education system and accountability.
In a letter addressed to students, Pradhan stated that he took responsibility after violations were discovered during the Neet-UG examination held on May 3rd. He noted that the Centre decided to assign an investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancel this exam, and conduct a new computer test on June 21st for over two million candidates.
Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, his cabinet colleagues, and ministry staff for their support. He also emphasized that he will continue to serve the country and work for the aspirations of India's youth.
The Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, submitted his resignation from the Council of Ministers on Saturday amid ongoing protests related to the NEET exam leak.
In a letter addressed to his 'young friends,' Pradhan stated that he submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking into account the situation in both the Janpath Mantar and across the country.
Pradhan noted that he dedicated over four decades to working for students, teachers, and educational reforms. He has always believed that a strong, comprehensive, and far-sighted education system is the foundation of a strong nation. The minister expressed deep respect for the aspirations, feelings, and fair expectations of the country's youth.
He emphasized that realizing the dreams of India's younger generation was the moral duty of all participants in political and social life. Pradhan thanked the esteemed Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.
Supplementing his statement, he explained that he decided to resign considering the development of the situation in Janpath Mantar and nationwide. He stated that anti-national forces should not exploit this situation, and the unity of the country must be preserved. Furthermore, he stressed that the future of any student should not be entangled in legal complications, and children should dedicate their time to studying and building careers.
