Bhubaneswar, Aug. 6 (UDN): Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Thursday rejected allegations of errors in the state’s newly introduced Class I textbooks, asserting that the controversy has been misrepresented and amplified without a proper understanding of the curriculum.

The clarification came after a high-level review meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Office, where the state government discussed concerns surrounding the revised school textbooks.

Addressing reporters, Gond said there are no factual errors in the Class I textbook as claimed in recent public discourse. However, he assured that the government would provide updated or corrected copies wherever required to eliminate any confusion among students and teachers.

Responding to the debate over the inclusion of the song ‘Nimbuda Nimbuda’ in the textbook, the minister said the content has been incorporated in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), which encourages exposure to the diverse languages, songs and cultural traditions of different states to foster national integration and cultural awareness among young learners.

He maintained that the issue had been taken out of context and criticised what he described as attempts to sensationalise the matter without examining the objectives of the revised curriculum.

“The reports claiming errors in the Class I textbook are not correct. The issue has been misrepresented. The inclusion of ‘Nimbuda Nimbuda’ is consistent with the provisions of the National Education Policy, which promotes cultural diversity and national unity,” Gond said.

The minister’s remarks come amid an ongoing debate over the revised school textbooks, with the state government reiterating its commitment to implementing the National Education Policy while ensuring that students receive quality learning materials.