Odisha Govt Denies Claims of Errors in Revised School Textbooks, Says Review Process Still Underway

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday dismissed reports alleging mistakes in the revised school textbooks, stating that such claims are unfounded as the revision process has not yet been completed.

In a statement shared through its official X handle, the Department of School and Mass Education said media reports highlighting errors in the revised textbooks were misleading. The department clarified that the books are still being reviewed with inputs from educationists and subject experts, and the final versions are yet to be released.

“The revision of textbooks is currently in progress based on suggestions received from academic experts. The revised books will be supplied to students after the process is completed,” the department said, rejecting reports that the new editions already contain errors.

The clarification came on a day when fresh discrepancies were reported in Jhulana-1, the textbook prescribed for Class I students.

According to reports, the book presents the Odia alphabet in a sequence that has drawn criticism. Allegations have also surfaced that a line from Odisha’s state anthem, Bande Utkala Janani, has been printed incorrectly, with “Ghana Ghana Banabhumi” appearing as “Ghana Banabhumi”. Questions have also been raised over the spelling of the word “Utkala” in the version of the national anthem included in the textbook.

The latest allegations add to the controversy surrounding school textbooks after similar issues were flagged in several other books in recent weeks, leading the state government to undertake a comprehensive review and revision exercise.

Reiterating its stand, the School and Mass Education Department said the revision is being carried out through consultations with subject experts and educationists. It assured that only the final, corrected editions will be printed and distributed to students once the review is complete.