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2026-09-28 02:55 UTC → 2026-09-29 08:47 UTC ·
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Odisha school textbook error and printing irregularity controversy
A The controversy emerged surrounding errors in Odisha regarding school textbooks has expanded into allegations of a multi-crore scam involving printing and distribution irregularities. Following the discovery of 1,741 errors found in school textbooks for classes Classes I through VIII. The issue sparked political tension VIII, whistleblower and student protests, with groups like the Navnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan demanding accountability RTI activist Pradip Pradhan filed a complaint alleging significant financial misconduct and some political figures calling for the resignation conflicts of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. Minister Gond later informed the State Assembly interest. Pradhan alleges that 1,741 errors and suggested corrections were identified in the SCERT textbooks, which were produced at a cost of approximately Rs 175 crore. These included 1,075 grammatical, typographical, and spelling mistakes, alongside factual and conceptual inaccuracies, such as errors regarding the Niyamgiri Hills and deputy director-level official from the Konark Sun Temple. The Class VIII science government press has been unauthorizedly managing textbook contained the highest number of errors with 294 recorded, followed by Class VII Urdu, Class VIII Sanskrit, Class VI Social Science, and Class VII Sanskrit. Investigations revealed systemic failures in the review process, including instances where subject experts were given only one day printing since 2022, a responsibility that legally belongs to review final drafts the School and some individuals held conflicting roles as both authors Mass Education Department. The complaint further claims this official facilitated lucrative printing and reviewers. supply contracts through a private agency operated by his wife. In response, response to these allegations, the government suspended ten officials, including Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has requested a response from the former Director of Odisha government. Additionally, the State Council Union Ministry of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Education’s Department of School Education and three Assistant Directors, while initiating disciplinary proceedings against six other Assistant Directors. The Crime Branch CID Literacy has launched an investigation into the matter. To mitigate the impact, formally sought a response from the government is distributing corrected sheets and corrigenda state education department to schools examine the claims of mismanagement and implementing stricter fact-checking measures for future editions. the resulting distribution of error-ridden materials.