Odisha Invites Public Feedback on Class 1-4 Textbooks After Errors Found in School Books

After discovering hundreds of factual, spelling and printing mistakes in school textbooks, the Odisha Government has invited public feedback on revised Class 1 to 4 books. Suggestions can be submitted within seven days before final printing.

In an unusual but significant step towards improving educational quality, the Odisha Government has invited teachers, parents, students, educationists and the general public to review and provide feedback on revised textbooks for Classes 1 to 4. The move comes after a large number of factual, typographical and contextual errors were discovered in newly introduced school textbooks for the 2026-27 academic session.

The government has provided a seven-day window for stakeholders to examine the corrected digital versions of the books and suggest additional improvements before they are sent for final printing.

Why Has Odisha Opened Textbooks for Public Review?

The decision follows widespread criticism over the quality of textbooks prepared under the state’s revised curriculum framework. An official review identified as many as 1,678 errors across textbooks meant for students from Classes 1 to 8 in government schools. These mistakes included factual inaccuracies, spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and incorrect illustrations.

Some of the more widely reported errors included describing Isaac Newton as a pilot and incorrectly identifying the Hampi temple complex as the Konark Sun Temple. These mistakes triggered criticism from educators, opposition parties and parents across the state.

What Is the Government Asking Citizens to Do?

The revised and corrected versions of the primary school textbooks have been uploaded on the websites of the School and Mass Education Department, the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). Citizens are encouraged to review the material carefully and share suggestions within seven days.

The government has specifically requested feedback from:

• Teachers and school administrators
• Parents and guardians
• Students
• Subject experts and academicians
• Members of the general public

Suggestions can be submitted through email or through the Vidya Samiksha Centre helpline.

A New Approach to Textbook Quality Control

Education experts have welcomed the move as an example of participatory governance in education. Opening textbooks for public review before printing can help identify errors that may otherwise go unnoticed during internal review processes.

The initiative also reflects the growing recognition that textbook accuracy is essential during foundational learning years, particularly for students in primary classes where basic concepts and language skills are developed.

Government Promises Error-Free Textbooks

The Odisha Government has assured parents and schools that students will receive corrected and error-free textbooks after the revision process is completed. Officials have indicated that the feedback received during the consultation period will be examined carefully before final approval and printing of the books.

Until the revised editions reach classrooms, teachers are expected to use corrected content and guidance notes to ensure that students are not affected academically.

Action Taken Against Officials

The textbook controversy has already led to administrative action within the education department. Following recommendations of a high-level inquiry committee, the state government reportedly suspended several senior officials and initiated disciplinary proceedings against others for lapses in textbook preparation and review.

The episode has raised important questions about editorial oversight, content verification and quality assurance mechanisms in school education.

Official Links for Review and Feedback

• Odisha School and Mass Education Department
• Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA)
• State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT Odisha)
• Feedback email: textbookscertodisha@gmail.com
• Vidya Samiksha Centre Helpline: 1800-345-6722

Conclusion

By inviting public participation in reviewing school textbooks, the Odisha Government has adopted a transparent and collaborative approach to improving educational materials. While the discovery of 1,678 errors exposed serious weaknesses in the textbook development process, the decision to involve teachers, parents and experts in the correction process could help restore confidence in the state’s education system and ensure that students receive reliable and high-quality learning resources.