Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi Thursday termed the over 1,600 errors in school textbooks from classes 1-VIII a “possible conspiracy” and announced strict action against the guilty, while deciding to withdraw the faulty editions and take corrective steps.Speaking to TOI in an interview, Majhi said the govt has taken serious note of the lapses. “Errors did occur earlier, but the scale this time is unusually high. The entire process — from manuscript preparation and vetting to printing — needs scrutiny. I suspect a larger conspiracy to defame the govt,” the CM said.Majhi said a committee was constituted to probe the issue before fixing accountability. “There was an initial suggestion to give the panel 15 days, but I insisted on a seven-day deadline. Those found involved will face strict action,” Majhi added during the Times Health Icons Odisha 2026.Making his stand clear, the CM said the guilty would be identified and measures put in place to ensure such lapses do not recur. “The deadline for submission of the report has lapsed. The findings should be ready,” he said.Majhi further said all error-ridden textbooks distributed to students will be withdrawn, with fresh copies printed and redistributed. “If evidence of conspiracy is found, the cost incurred on printing will be recovered from those responsible,” he added.The errors sparked statewide resentment among teachers and students. The school and mass education department has issued a corrigendum asking schools to help students rectify the mistakes.
