A 12-hour statewide bandh was observed in Odisha on September 30 following protests organised by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) and the Nabnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan (NYCS). Demonstrators gathered in Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state to protest alleged errors in school textbooks and demand accountability from the government.

The protests affected both urban and rural areas, with organisers claiming participation across western, eastern and southern Odisha. In Bhubaneswar, protesters blocked a national highway and staged demonstrations at locations including the Baramunda bus stand. Reports also said tyres were set ablaze during some demonstrations.

NNKS coordinator Akshay Kumar said the bandh was intended to draw public attention to concerns surrounding the quality and accuracy of textbooks used by students.

Protesters Raise Questions Over Textbook Errors

The central issue behind the agitation is the alleged presence of a large number of errors in textbooks for Classes 1 to 8.

According to protest organisers, more than 55 textbooks contain over 2,000 errors. Kumar claimed that 1,678 mistakes have already been acknowledged by government sources, but revised editions have not yet reached schools.

Protest leaders have also raised concerns about errors in portions of textbooks that they say contain important national and cultural references. M D Manwar Ali, state convenor of the Nabnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan, alleged that some mistakes even involve the presentation of the National Anthem.

The organisers argue that such inaccuracies could affect students’ learning, particularly as examinations approach.

Allegations Over Expenditure and Accountability

The protesters have also questioned the financial expenditure involved in preparing and replacing the disputed textbooks.

Kumar alleged that around ₹380 crore was spent on textbooks containing errors. He further claimed that an additional ₹135 crore was spent on new Class 1 textbooks, despite alleged inaccuracies remaining in some material, including references to “Bande Utkala Janani.”

These financial allegations have not been independently established in the information provided by the protest groups. The protesters, however, are demanding greater transparency over the textbook preparation and revision process.

They have also called for the resignation of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, arguing that responsibility must be fixed if the allegations are established.

Organisers Say Protest Is Peaceful

NNKS coordinator Akshay Kumar said the organisation had attempted to conduct the bandh peacefully and claimed there had been no reported damage to public property during the protest.

At the same time, demonstrations in some locations involved road blockades and the burning of tyres, disrupting traffic and normal activity.

M D Manwar Ali said the bandh had affected several parts of Odisha. According to him, the scale of participation reflected public concern over the alleged shortcomings in the education system.

Concerns Over Impact on Students

Protest leaders have particularly highlighted the impact of the textbook controversy on students studying in Odia-medium schools.

Kumar said many students in these institutions come from farming, labour and working-class families and depend heavily on school-provided educational materials. According to the organisers, delays in correcting and distributing revised textbooks could make it harder for students to prepare effectively.

The protesters argue that accurate and reliable learning material is essential, especially for younger students who are building foundational knowledge.

Hunger Strike and Possible Further Agitation

The organisations have indicated that their campaign could continue if the government does not respond to their demands.

Kumar said his hunger strike would continue until the authorities acknowledge the concerns raised by the protesters and take appropriate action. The organisations have also called for greater public support for their campaign.

The protesters are seeking corrective action on the alleged textbook errors, transparency in the preparation process and accountability from the authorities.

With the statewide bandh bringing the issue into wider public focus, attention now remains on the Odisha government’s response and whether officials will engage with the protesting organisations to address their concerns.

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