Odisha government launches free KG‑to‑PG education scheme and revises textbooks after error scandal

The Odisha School and Mass Education department uploaded corrected digital copies of textbooks for classes I‑IV, inviting feedback from educators and the public for seven days. The revision follows the detection of 1,678 factual, typographical and printing errors in the 2026‑27 textbooks, which led to the suspension of four officials and disciplinary action against six others.

The state cabinet approved the ‘Gyanodaya‑Shiksharu Samruddhi: KG to PG Free Education’ scheme, waiving admission fees in all government and government‑aided schools, colleges and universities from kindergarten through postgraduate studies. The programme excludes self‑financing, PPP, and professional courses, and is funded with an estimated Rs 895.57 crore in the first year and Rs 5,467.55 crore over five years, benefitting roughly 3.2 million students.