Bhubaneswar, July 11: The Odisha government has taken significant action regarding serious errors found in school textbooks for grades 1 to 8. Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi has ordered a criminal investigation into the matter. The government aims to identify all circumstances and individuals responsible for the distribution of flawed textbooks to students.
The Chief Minister has instructed the Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to file a formal complaint and register a First Information Report (FIR) with the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the Crime Branch. Following this, the Crime Branch will initiate a criminal investigation into the issue.
According to the state government, this matter related to school education is considered extremely serious, as the errors in textbooks could directly impact the education and academic quality of millions of students. The government believes that negligence at any level of the education system is unacceptable, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
Previously, Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi had formed a high-level committee chaired by the Development Commissioner to conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter. This committee was tasked with determining where negligence occurred in the preparation, editing, proofreading, and publication processes of the textbooks, and identifying those responsible.
After the committee’s report was submitted, the government promptly took administrative action by suspending the former Director of SCERT and three Assistant Directors. Additionally, departmental disciplinary action has been initiated against six other Assistant Directors based on their alleged roles in the issue.
Now, the government has decided to extend the investigation beyond departmental action to a criminal inquiry. Officials state that the investigation will thoroughly examine documents, decision-making processes, and the roles of relevant officials. Should any intentional negligence, serious dereliction of duty, or other irregularities be uncovered, further legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.
The Odisha government has made it clear that there will be no compromise on the quality of education and the interests of students.
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