Odisha bandh called over alleged school textbook errors

The Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) and Naba Nirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan called for a 12-hour state-wide bandh in Odisha on September 30. The protest is driven by allegations of over 2,000 errors in school textbooks for Classes I to VIII. Protesters have demanded the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond and the immediate distribution of corrected books.

NNKS coordinator Akshay Kumar stated that the protest has been non-violent and has seen spontaneous public participation. He noted that the issue has persisted for 42 days and raised concerns over the significant expenditure of public funds on erroneous materials.

In response to the bandh, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha, clarified that scheduled examinations, including the OSSTET 2026, will proceed as planned despite rumors of cancellations. Additionally, the Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) rescheduled counselling for several district cadre posts to October 6, 2026, to avoid conflict with the shutdown. The state Home Department has alerted district collectors to maintain law and order and ensure essential services continue.