Odisha Govt To Issue Corrected Textbooks, Says Error Count Far Lower Than Claimed | Education and Career News
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The secretary said the department had instructed officials to complete the correction process swiftly and transparently to ensure revised textbooks reach students without delay
More than 1,600 errors were allegedly found in the newly introduced textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 in Odisha. (File Photo)
The Odisha government on Wednesday said it would soon distribute corrected textbooks to school students, dismissing claims that the new books contained more than 1,600 errors.
School and Mass Education Department Secretary N Tirumala Naik said the actual number of mistakes was “much lower” than what has been reported.
The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that the new textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 contained over 1,600 errors, including spelling mistakes and incorrect references to eminent personalities. The issue has intensified criticism of the BJP-led state government.
Opposition parties accused the government of displaying an “extremely careless and utterly callous attitude” that has hurt Odia pride. They also demanded the resignation of School Education Minister Nityananda Gond and called for a CBI investigation into the matter.
Addressing his first press conference since the controversy broke, Naik said the government was treating the issue with utmost seriousness and was working to provide revised textbooks at the earliest.
“The state government is serious about rectifying the errors and supplying new textbooks to students as soon as possible. Until then, students will continue studying using correction sheets provided to teachers,” he said.
While acknowledging that mistakes had been identified in the textbooks, Naik rejected claims that there were 1,678 errors.
“The figures circulating in the media and on social media are inaccurate. The actual number of errors is much lower than what is being claimed,” he said, without disclosing the exact number identified by the government.
Naik also declined to comment on questions regarding the inclusion of a Rajasthani folk song in textbooks meant for students in Odisha.
He said the government had already begun corrective measures by identifying major errors and would issue revised textbooks until fresh editions are printed and distributed.
According to Naik, experts and senior officials are reviewing the mistakes, while public feedback has also been invited. The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has published a list of corrections on its website, he added.
The secretary said the department had instructed officials to complete the correction process swiftly and transparently to ensure revised textbooks reach students without delay.
He also said action had already been taken against some officials based on the findings of a high-level committee headed by Development Commissioner D K Singh. “More people may face action,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Nabarangpur, the Congress observed a 12-hour shutdown to protest the textbook errors and reiterated its demand for the resignation of Education Minister Nityananda Gond, who represents the district.
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