SCERT Textbook Errors: Why Odisha Needs an Administrative Overhaul

The numerous errors reported in Odisha’s SCERT (State Council of Education Research and Training) textbooks are far more than ordinary printing or proofreading mistakes. Textbooks shape the minds of future generations, and such lapses should never occur after passing through multiple stages of drafting, review, verification, and approval. These mistakes expose deeper weaknesses within Odisha’s administrative system.

The SCERT controversy in Odisha revolves around the discovery of over 1,600 glaring factual, conceptual, and printing errors in newly introduced government school textbooks for Classes 1 to 8.

Key Details of the Controversy

• The Errors: The textbooks, introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP), contained massive blunders. Notable mistakes included mislabeling the Karnataka Assembly as the Odisha Assembly, identifying Hampi as the Konark Sun Temple, and describing Sir Isaac Newton as a “pilot”. Additionally, a Class 5 English textbook drew public criticism for including the popular Bollywood song “Nimbuda Nimbuda”.

• Government Action: Following an investigation by a high-level committee, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi suspended four senior officials, including the Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Manoj Padhi. Disciplinary actions and show-cause notices were also initiated against desktop publishing (DTP) agencies, printers, and six other assistant directors.

However, in my considered view, the SCERT controversy should be seen as a symptom of a much larger governance challenge. It raises serious questions about the efficiency, accountability, and functioning of the bureaucracy responsible for education and other key sectors.

In my opinion, a significant section of the bureaucracy continues to function under the work culture and administrative mindset of the previous regime. After serving under one political establishment for many years, many senior officials naturally become accustomed to its administrative style and priorities. A change in political leadership alone does not automatically transform the bureaucracy.

The BJP government in Odisha has now completed nearly two years in office. Two years is more than sufficient for any Chief Minister to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and loyalties within the administrative machinery. The time has come to move beyond crisis management and initiate structural reforms that will improve governance for the long term.

Chief Minister should undertake a comprehensive review of the administration, particularly in critical departments such as Education and Law & Order. Senior officers should be evaluated based on performance, accountability, efficiency, and their commitment to implementing the policies and mandate of the elected government.

In my view, particular attention should be given to the functioning of non-Odia IAS officers occupying influential positions in key departments. This is not a question of regional identity or place of origin. Civil servants are expected to serve impartially and professionally wherever they are posted. At the same time, every officer must be fully committed to implementing the policies of the elected government. If any section of the bureaucracy continues to function according to the priorities or practices of the previous regime, the pace of governance and reform will inevitably suffer.

A useful comparison can be drawn with West Bengal. After the BJP formed the government under Chief Minister following fifteen years of TMC rule, his government inherited an administrative system shaped by the previous regime. Yet, within a short period, it moved decisively to reshape the administrative machinery, strengthen accountability, and establish the authority of the new government. In my opinion, this demonstrates that a determined Chief Minister can transform even a bureaucracy that may initially be resistant to change.

The SCERT textbook controversy is unlikely to be an isolated incident if systemic issues remain unaddressed. Similar administrative lapses can emerge in other departments unless processes are strengthened and accountability is enforced at every level.

I also believe that the central leadership of the BJP should closely monitor the functioning of the Odisha administration. If recurring lapses continue in important sectors such as education and law & order, the response should not be limited to correcting individual mistakes. The root causes within the administrative structure must also be identified and addressed.

The people of Odisha voted for change with the expectation of better governance. That change should not remain confined to the political leadership alone. It must also be reflected in the functioning of the bureaucracy. Without a comprehensive administrative overhaul, the government risks spending its entire tenure rectifying inherited mistakes instead of implementing bold reforms and building a stronger future for Odisha.

The SCERT textbook controversy should serve as a wake-up call. It presents an opportunity for the government to strengthen the institutions.