Odisha Textbook Errors: Crime Branch Grills Ex‑SCERT Director

The Odisha Crime Branch has stepped up its investigation into widespread errors in government school textbooks, summoning former SCERT Director Manoj Padhi for questioning.

The probe follows the discovery of more than 2,000 factual and language mistakes across textbooks for Classes I–VIII, raising serious concerns about the state’s educational publishing process.

Investigators are examining whether manuscripts were properly scrutinised before printing and who approved the final versions.

The inquiry covers the entire textbook development chain—drafting, editing, proofreading, printing, and distribution—to determine whether lapses were due to negligence, oversight, or deliberate manipulation.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered the Crime Branch probe, citing the gravity of the issue.

Authorities aim to establish accountability and assess whether the flawed publication amounts to criminal negligence or conspiracy.