The Minister for Education, Dr Mahendra Reddy said out of the 87 textbooks required for years 1-13 they have distributed 49 books to schools around the country.
While answering a question asked by Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavo on when the promised free text books will be distributed, Dr Reddy says the magnitude of work is massive, and the ministry has been working to fast‑track printing and distribution so that schools receive all textbooks and course materials by end of next month.
Dr Reddy said they have so far printed 199,632 textbooks over the last eight weeks.
He said this will cover 210,000 students around the country.
Opposition leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa in her supplementary questioned asked how can teachers prepare the students for exams when some textbooks are not available.
Dr Reddy said it should not be the case and should not affect the children's learning as the teachers have the source materials.