Bhubaneswar: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed the Odisha School and Mass Education department to take appropriate action on a complaint alleging financial irregularities and conflict of interest in the printing of school textbooks in the state.The complaint was filed by RTI activist Pradip Pradhan, who has alleged irregularities in the award and execution of textbook printing and material supply contracts.Pradhan’s petition focuses on a deputy director (technical) at the Odisha Government Press. Citing government records and information obtained through the RTI Act, he has questioned the officer’s role in overseeing textbook printing since 2022, despite the function falling under the School and Mass Education department.The complaint also alleges that a private agency linked to the officer’s wife benefited from printing and material supply arrangements, raising questions over a possible conflict of interest. Pradhan has further alleged that the selection of private presses and suppliers was not carried out in accordance with prescribed procedures and that lapses in the process affected the quality of textbooks supplied to students.The PMO has now forwarded the complaint to the state School and Mass Education Department for necessary action.Pradhan welcomed the intervention but said he would continue seeking an independent investigation by a central agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He has called for a wider probe into the alleged financial irregularities, asset accumulation and the possible role of senior officials.The allegations have not been established by an independent investigation and are subject to examination by the competent authorities.
