Odisha Crime Branch Probes Textbook Errors, Questions OSEPA Officials

The Odisha Crime Branch has intensified its investigation into widespread errors in school textbooks, acting on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s directive.

A five‑member team led by DSP Narendra Behera interrogated OSEPA Deputy Director Itishree Nayak regarding the compilation and approval process of textbooks.

Earlier this week, former SCERT Director Manoj Padhy was arrested in connection with the case.

The state government admitted to 1,678 errors across Class I–VIII textbooks, ranging from grammatical and factual mistakes to historical and geographical inaccuracies.

OSEPA had circulated a 122‑page correction list, but even that document contained multiple errors.

Preliminary findings suggest a financial loss of nearly Rs 175 crore to the state exchequer due to faulty printing and distribution.

The Crime Branch is now examining digital records, correspondence, and procurement documents to establish accountability.

The textbooks were prepared under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, raising questions about oversight and quality control in educational material production.