Minister Nityananda Gond Confirms 1,741 Errors in Textbooks
Odisha Assembly informed that 1,741 errors and corrections were found in Classes 1–8 textbooks, highlighting the need for accuracy and quality in school education.
Minister Nityananda Gond Confirms 1,741 Errors in Textbooks
Three deputy directors, including a former director, have been suspended.
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Bhubaneswar: A total of 1,741 errors and suggested corrections have been identified in new textbooks for Classes I to VIII in Odisha, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond informed the Odisha Assembly on Friday. The textbooks were introduced for the current academic session.
According to the minister, the 1,741 entries include five factual or conceptual errors, 1,075 grammatical, typographical and spelling errors, and 661 suggestions for improvement. Some reported inaccuracies involved photographs and information relating to Odisha’s history, geography and heritage.
The issue has drawn attention to the importance of accuracy and quality in school education. Textbooks play a central role in classroom learning, and correct information is essential for building students’ knowledge and understanding. A strong review and fact-checking system can help ensure that educational materials support students effectively.
The government has stated that corrigenda containing corrections have been sent to schools for use by teachers and students. The state has also begun distributing revised textbooks with corrections.
The minister said action has been taken against officials in connection with the lapses. According to the Assembly report, disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against several officials.
Around ₹175 crore has been spent on printing and supplying the textbooks, according to the minister's statement reported from the Assembly.
The episode has highlighted a broader issue for the education system: investment in textbooks and other educational resources needs to be accompanied by careful academic review, fact-checking, proofreading and accountability. Quality education is an important foundation for developing knowledgeable, skilled and responsible citizens and, in turn, for the long-term development of the nation.
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