BJD to Launch Statewide Save Education Campaign Over Odisha Textbook Errors from July 9

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced a week-long 'Save Education Campaign' across Odisha from July 9 to July 15, intensifying its protest over alleged errors in newly introduced school textbooks for the 2026-27 academic session.

The opposition party has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the textbooks, publication of corrected editions within one month and the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. The campaign comes amid continuing political debate over factual, spelling and printing mistakes reported in textbooks for Classes 1 to 8.

Campaign to be held across Odisha

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, senior BJD leaders said the campaign would be organised in every district to raise awareness about the alleged shortcomings in the new textbooks.

The week-long programme is expected to include:

• Public awareness drives
• District-level protests
• Meetings with parents and students
• Memorandums to local authorities
• Outreach programmes highlighting education-related concerns

The party has appealed to parents, teachers, students and citizens to participate, arguing that the issue directly affects the quality of education in the state.

BJD demands immediate withdrawal of textbooks

The opposition has placed several demands before the state government, including:

• Immediate withdrawal of the allegedly faulty textbooks.
• Distribution of revised, error-free editions within one month.
• Accountability for those responsible for the mistakes.
• Resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.

According to the party, corrective action should be taken without delaying the academic session further.

Opposition alleges delay in corrective action

BJD leaders alleged that despite widespread criticism, the government had not withdrawn the textbooks after schools reopened.

They also claimed there had been inadequate coordination between the Chief Minister's Office, the School and Mass Education Department and senior officials, delaying corrective measures.

The opposition argued that prolonged delays could negatively affect students relying on the new textbooks during the ongoing academic year.

Government has already initiated corrective measures

The Odisha government has acknowledged concerns over mistakes found in the textbooks and has already initiated corrective steps.

According to official announcements, the government has:

• Begun reviewing reported errors.
• Suspended officials linked to the issue.
• Invited public feedback on mistakes.
• Promised to issue revised editions after necessary corrections.

Officials have stated that corrective action is underway to minimise disruption for students.

CPI(M) also criticises textbook preparation

The textbook controversy has also drawn criticism from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M).

The party organised demonstrations demanding accountability and called for the resignation of the School and Mass Education Minister.

CPI(M) leaders alleged that the textbooks were prepared hastily during the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 without adequate involvement of experienced authors, educationists, proofreaders and reviewers.

The party also questioned the reported use of artificial intelligence during the preparation process, alleging it contributed to factual and language-related errors.

Why the textbook controversy matters

School textbooks play a critical role in children's learning, particularly during the foundational years of education.

Errors in textbooks may lead to:

• Confusion among students.
• Incorrect understanding of concepts.
• Additional workload for teachers.
• Delays in classroom instruction.
• Loss of confidence among parents.

Education experts generally recommend rigorous academic review and multiple rounds of proofreading before new textbooks are introduced.

What happens next?

The BJD's statewide campaign is scheduled to continue until July 15, while the Odisha government proceeds with its review and correction process.

The effectiveness of the government's corrective measures and the distribution timeline for revised textbooks are expected to remain under close public and political scrutiny in the coming weeks.

Featured Snippet

The BJD will launch a statewide Save Education Campaign in Odisha from July 9 to July 15, protesting alleged errors in new school textbooks. The party has demanded immediate withdrawal of the books, revised editions within one month and accountability from the state government.

Key Highlights

• BJD will organise a statewide Save Education campaign from July 9–15.
• The protest concerns alleged errors in Odisha school textbooks.
• The opposition has demanded immediate withdrawal of the books.
• BJD wants revised editions to be issued within one month.
• The party has sought the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
• The Odisha government has already initiated corrective measures.
• CPI(M) has also criticised the textbook preparation process.

Conclusion

The Odisha textbook controversy has evolved into a significant political and educational issue, with opposition parties demanding swift corrective action and greater accountability. While the state government has initiated revisions and disciplinary measures, the BJD's statewide campaign is likely to keep public attention focused on the quality of school education. The timely publication of corrected textbooks will be crucial to minimising disruption for students during the ongoing academic session.

FAQs

1. What is the BJD's Save Education Campaign?

It is a statewide protest programme scheduled from July 9 to July 15 against alleged errors in Odisha's new school textbooks.

2. Why is the campaign being organised?

The BJD alleges that the newly introduced textbooks contain factual, spelling and printing mistakes affecting students.

3. What are the BJD's main demands?

The party has demanded withdrawal of the textbooks, revised editions within one month and the resignation of the School and Mass Education Minister.

4. Which classes are affected?

The controversy relates to textbooks prepared for Classes 1 to 8 for the 2026–27 academic session.

5. Has the Odisha government responded?

Yes. The government has initiated corrective measures, suspended officials and promised revised editions after reviewing reported errors.

6. Has any other political party criticised the textbooks?

Yes. CPI(M) has also criticised the textbook preparation process and demanded corrective action.

7. What role does NEP 2020 play in the controversy?

Critics allege that the textbooks were prepared hastily during the implementation of NEP 2020 without adequate academic review.

8. When will the campaign conclude?

The Save Education Campaign is scheduled to conclude on July 15, 2026.