The Odisha government has approved a five-year initiative to provide free textbooks to approximately 28.7 lakh students in Classes 9 and 10 at government-run and government-aided secondary schools. The move is intended to make education more affordable and comes at a time when inaccuracies in school textbooks have drawn public and political attention.

The state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, cleared the proposal on Tuesday. The programme will operate from the 2025–26 academic year through 2029–30, with an estimated budget of Rs 284.07 crore.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg explained that the initiative extends textbook assistance to secondary-level students who were not already covered under existing provisions. Students belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities were previously eligible for such support.

Eligibility and Objectives of the Scheme

The expanded programme will cover students studying in Classes 9 and 10 at government and government-aided secondary schools across Odisha.

Through this initiative, the state intends to reduce education-related expenses for financially disadvantaged households and promote equal learning opportunities. Other key objectives include improving enrolment in government schools, limiting student dropouts and supporting the transition from elementary to secondary education.

The five-year programme is expected to reach around 28.7 lakh students, with the government allocating Rs 284.07 crore to implement it over the specified period.

Textbook Inaccuracies Trigger Political Debate

The announcement follows criticism over errors reportedly discovered in textbooks distributed by the Odisha School and Mass Education Department.

Reports indicate that more than 1,600 errors were identified in 55 textbooks. These reportedly included spelling mistakes and inaccuracies involving the names of prominent personalities.

The issue has prompted opposition parties to question the department's handling of textbook preparation and distribution. Opposition leaders have also called for the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.

Printing and Distribution Process

The state government has indicated that the purchase, printing, transportation and delivery of textbooks will follow transparent procedures and competitive procurement practices in accordance with the Odisha General Financial Rules and other relevant regulations.

To ensure that the benefits reach eligible students, the department will introduce a process for gathering and checking beneficiary information, including verification at the field level.

The government also plans to coordinate distribution so that schools receive textbooks before the start of each academic session. Timely delivery is expected to help students begin their studies with the required learning materials and minimise disruptions to classroom instruction.