Odisha bandh over school textbook errors puts focus on 1,700 reported mistakes

A 12-hour Odisha bandh called by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) on Wednesday has brought the state’s school textbooks and reported errors in them into sharp focus, with the farmers’ rights organisation demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.

The NNKS, which has been observing a relay hunger strike since August 20 over the issue, has appealed for public support for the shutdown. The organisation said the bandh would remain completely peaceful.

NNKS national coordinator Akshay Kumar, who has been on hunger strike in Bhubaneswar since September 6, said the agitation was not merely about printing or editorial mistakes but concerned the education and future of lakhs of students.

“We are hopeful that the bandh will be a success,” said Kumar.

According to the NNKS, shops, markets, commercial establishments, private establishments and public transport services, including buses, would remain closed during the bandh.

The organisation has also received support from the CPI(M) and the Republican Party of India.

Over 1,700 errors cited in textbooks

The NNKS has claimed that more than 1,700 errors were found in newly published school textbooks. The organisation has cited several examples to underline the seriousness of the issue.

Among the reported errors are a reference to the Niyamgiri Hills as being located in Jharkhand and the use of a photograph of the Karnataka Assembly in place of the Odisha Assembly. Another error cited by the organisation describes scientist Isaac Newton as a pilot.

The reported mistakes have triggered criticism over the accuracy and quality of educational material being provided to students in government schools.

Separate bandh announced for October 8

The textbook controversy comes as opposition parties have announced another state-wide bandh on October 8.

The Congress and other INDIA bloc parties have called the separate shutdown over three demands — repeal of the new mining law, resignation of Minister Nityananda Gond and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

BSE says exams will continue as scheduled

Amid the NNKS bandh call, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha, clarified that no decision had been taken to postpone or cancel any examination because of the shutdown.

The clarification is significant for students and families concerned about possible disruption to examinations and other academic activities.

Authorities have also stepped up security arrangements in Bhubaneswar. Police have deployed around 10 platoons of force along with 15 officers at specific locations to maintain law and order.

Government employees have been directed to attend their offices as usual.