More than 28.7 lakh secondary-school students in Odisha are set to receive free textbooks under a new state government scheme approved by the Cabinet on October 13. The decision aims to reduce the financial burden on families and widen access to educational resources, coming amid intense scrutiny over serious errors discovered in recently distributed school textbooks.

Textbook Errors Trigger Statewide Accountability Drive

The controversy erupted after 1,678 factual, conceptual, grammatical and printing errors were identified in textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 prepared for the 2026–27 academic session under the National Education Policy 2020. The mistakes included incorrect names of eminent personalities, faulty illustrations and scientific inaccuracies, with Class 8 books alone accounting for 705 errors.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a high-level inquiry on June 17. A subsequent three-member committee identified systemic weaknesses, including inadequate academic scrutiny, overlapping responsibilities, compressed preparation schedules and insufficient quality checks before printing and distribution.

The episode raised serious concerns about the accuracy of educational material and the accountability of institutions responsible for preparing textbooks.

Cabinet Approves Five-Year Free Textbook Scheme

The Cabinet has approved the Supply of Free Textbooks scheme for students of Classes 9 and 10 in government and government-aided secondary schools. The programme will operate from 2025–26 to 2029–30, with an estimated outlay of ₹284.07 crore.

Key provisions include:

·       Beneficiaries: Approximately 28.7 lakh students across Classes 9 and 10.

·       Financial allocation: ₹284.07 crore over five years.

·       Coverage: Eligible students in government and government-aided secondary schools.

·       Exclusions: Students already receiving textbooks under existing Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe provisions will not be covered under this scheme.

The initiative extends free textbook support to secondary education, helping families manage educational expenses while ensuring students have access to essential learning materials.

Corrective Measures Follow the Textbook Row

The government has also taken disciplinary and corrective measures following the discovery of errors. Seven key education officials were suspended, faulty textbooks were withdrawn, and revised books and corrigenda were circulated. A Crime Branch investigation led to the arrest of former SCERT director Manoj Padhi.

Additional safeguards, including subject-expert verification and linguistic review, are intended to strengthen the textbook preparation process and prevent similar lapses.

From Educational Controversy to Lasting Reform

The announcement comes as Opposition parties demand accountability, including the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. While the free-textbook scheme strengthens educational access, its credibility will depend on timely delivery and effective implementation.

Odisha must now turn this welfare commitment into a wider education reform—ensuring that every eligible student receives textbooks on time and that every page is accurate, reliable and worthy of a child's trust.

(With agency inputs)