Odisha to replace Class 1-8 textbooks after error row, rejects claim of 1,678 mistakes

The Odisha government has announced that corrected textbooks will soon be provided to schoolchildren, as a row continues over reported errors in newly printed Class 1 to 8 books.

School and Mass Education Department Secretary N Tirumala Naik said the state is treating the issue seriously but rejected claims that the number of mistakes runs into the thousands.

ERROR COUNT ROW

Opposition parties have alleged that more than 1,600 errors, including spelling mistakes and factual inaccuracies, have been found in the textbooks, triggering political backlash and calls for accountability.

Naik, however, said the actual number of errors is “much lower than the claimed figure,” though he did not specify the exact count.

He added that while errors were identified, the figures circulating in the media and social media are exaggerated.

CORRECTION MODE BEGINS

The department has already begun corrective measures, with experts and senior officials reviewing feedback and preparing revised content.

Naik said students will continue studying using correction sheets issued to teachers until new editions are printed and distributed.

The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has also published a correction list on its website for transparency and public reference.

POLITICAL HEAT BUILDS

The controversy has sparked strong criticism from opposition parties, who allege negligence and have demanded the resignation of School Education Minister Nityananda Gond, along with a CBI probe into the matter.

They claim the errors have hurt Odia pride and reflect poor oversight in textbook preparation.

INSIDE THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Naik said action has already been taken against some officials based on a high-level committee report headed by Development Commissioner D K Singh.

He also indicated that more officials could face disciplinary action depending on the ongoing review.

On questions regarding the inclusion of a Rajasthani folk song in Odisha textbooks, the secretary avoided a direct response but said corrections are being implemented systematically.

In Nabarangpur, the Congress staged a 12-hour shutdown protesting the issue, intensifying pressure on the state government. The administration, meanwhile, has maintained that finalised corrections will be rolled out quickly, with priority given to minimising disruption in classrooms and restoring academic continuity for students.

(With PTI inputs)