PMO Seeks Odisha Govt Response Over Alleged Textbook Printing Irregularities

PMO Seeks Odisha Govt Response Over Alleged Textbook Printing Irregularities

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has sought a response from the Odisha government over allegations of large-scale irregularities in the printing and distribution of school textbooks in the state.

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The development follows a complaint submitted by RTI activist and whistleblower Pradip Pradhan, who alleged financial irregularities, conflict of interest and lapses in the textbook printing process.

Education Ministry Seeks State Response

Following the complaint, the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education reportedly sought a response from Odisha’s School and Mass Education Department.

The state department has been asked to examine the allegations and take appropriate action, according to reports.

Pradhan has alleged that a deputy director-level official associated with the government press has been involved in overseeing textbook printing work since 2022 despite the responsibility, according to his complaint, falling under the School and Mass Education Department.

Conflict Of Interest Alleged

The whistleblower has further alleged that the official facilitated printing and supply contracts involving a private agency allegedly operated by the officer’s wife.

Pradhan has sought a detailed investigation into the matter, alleging that such an arrangement could constitute a conflict of interest and have financial implications for the state exchequer.

He has also alleged that lapses in quality control resulted in error-filled textbooks being supplied to students across Odisha.

The allegations are subject to examination by the concerned authorities.

1,741 Errors Found In School Textbooks

The controversy comes amid disclosures made by the Odisha government in the State Assembly regarding errors in school textbooks.

According to a written reply by School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, as many as 1,741 errors were identified in textbooks for Classes 1 to 8.

The government informed the Assembly that around Rs 175 crore had been spent on the printing and publication of these textbooks.

The PMO’s intervention has now brought renewed attention to the textbook production process, with the state government expected to respond to the allegations and clarify the steps taken to address the reported irregularities.