Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked students to start using their textbooks before the new school year begins in June. He made the call after launching the state-level distribution of textbooks and handloom uniforms for the next academic year on Friday. The Chief Minister noted that summer holidays are long, so students should set fixed time aside to read their books early. He reminded students that before the Left Democratic Front government led by him came to power, textbooks often arrived late. "Before the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front government came to power, textbooks were not available on time," he said. Back then, students had to wait months after schools reopened in June to get their books. Some teachers even gave photocopies of lessons. This delay caused about five lakh students to leave public schools and nearly 1,000 schools faced possible closure due to low enrollment. Mr. Vijayan highlighted that the LDF government changed the scene by investing ₹5,000 crore to upgrade schools. Many now have smart classrooms and can compete globally. Responding to critics who compare current textbooks to palm-leaf manuscripts, he said, "There was a time when education was denied to many. Today, all children go to school." He added that criticizing the textbook distribution was like criticizing the state itself, as families care deeply about education. The government now ensures textbooks for the next year reach students before the current year ends. The handloom uniforms help both students and weavers, boosting local workers. The Chief Minister personally handed out textbooks and uniforms at the event, which was led by Education Minister V. Sivankutty.