Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): A controversy has surfaced over errors in newly introduced school textbooks in Odisha after an Odia Raja festival song was found printed on page 133 of the Class V English textbook Pallabi. The inclusion of the Odia song in an English-language textbook has drawn criticism from teachers and educationists across the state.

Teachers have expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in receiving revised correction booklets issued by the School and Mass Education Department. Although the department has initiated corrective measures and directed authorities to communicate the necessary changes, many schools are yet to receive the updated correction notes.

The issue is part of a broader concern regarding errors and content discrepancies detected in several newly introduced textbooks for Classes I to VIII. Reports indicate that spelling mistakes, incorrect illustrations and content mismatches have been identified in multiple books, prompting widespread criticism from teachers, parents and education experts.

Sources said the School and Mass Education Department has launched a comprehensive review of the textbooks and assured that all identified errors would be corrected. However, officials have reportedly decided against reprinting the books during the current academic session and will instead issue correction notes to schools.

The controversy has reignited concerns over the quality control and editorial review process adopted during the preparation of the new textbooks.