CM Mohan Charan Majhi orders criminal investigation into errors in school textbooks
Bhubaneswar, July 11
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a criminal investigation into errors found in school textbooks for Classes I to VIII.
He directed the SCERT Director to lodge an FIR with the Crime Branch SP for an independent probe into the entire textbook preparation process.
Earlier, the CM had constituted a committee under the Development Commissioner to examine the issue.
Based on its report, the former SCERT Director and three Assistant Directors were suspended, while disciplinary proceedings were initiated against six other Assistant Directors.
A statement issued earlier said that the state government has decided to implement all 14 recommendations made by the committee to "improve" the quality of school education and address errors in textbooks.
"These include the preparation of a master errata register by SCERT, providing corrected information to students, and setting up a Quality Assurance Cell within the institution," it added.
The government has also decided that "no textbook will be sent for printing in the future without obtaining the necessary approvals related to language, content, illustrations and printing quality, with the aim of ensuring error-free textbooks for students", it added.
Meanwhile, CM Mohan Charan Majhi earlier on Friday reviewed preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri and directed officials to ensure comprehensive security, smooth crowd management and seamless coordination among all departments for the festival.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the need for effective communication, efficient inter-departmental coordination and foolproof arrangements to facilitate devotees expected to attend the world-famous Rath Yatra.
Officials informed the meeting that around 12,000 personnel from the Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), led by 19 senior IPS officers, will be deployed to oversee security and crowd management.
The review also noted that 1,700 bio-toilets, eight temporary hospitals, 473 CCTV cameras, 65 LED display screens and 16 permanent telecom towers have been installed as part of the festival arrangements.
The Chief Minister was further informed that dedicated facilities have been created at the Gundicha Temple for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to ensure easier access during the festival.
CM Majhi directed officials to ensure that all arrangements are executed efficiently so that devotees can participate in the Rath Yatra safely and without inconvenience.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm curious why it took so long for these errors to be caught. Were no quality checks done before printing? The 14 recommendations seem comprehensive—especially the Quality Assurance Cell and the master errata register. But let's hope this isn't just damage control. Our students deserve accurate information from day one.
Arre, yar—while I appreciate the crackdown on textbook errors, I hope the government doesn't forget the bigger picture. The Rath Yatra preparations are getting all this attention, but the education of millions of Odia children should be the real priority. Still, kudos for taking action. Let's see if the FIR leads to real consequences. 🙏
This is step in right direction. I remember when I was in school, we once had a geography textbook that showed wrong state boundaries—it caused confusion for months. Glad CM Majhi is taking serious measures. But I'd also suggest involving academic experts from NIT Rourkela and Utkal University in the textbook review process. Local wisdom plus thorough checks = better outcome. 👍
Honestly, I'm frustrated. These textbooks reach thousands of village schools where teachers don't even have internet to cross-check facts. A student in Keonjhar or Malkangiri learns from these books blindly. The errata register is good, but how will it reach those classrooms? The government needs a proper distribution mechanism for corrected information. Still, better late than never. 🏽
Interesting how this textbook issue coincided with the Rath Yatra review. Both involve responsibility and planning. The ₹12
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