Bhubaneswar, Jun 26: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the discovery of more than 1,600 errors in textbooks for Classes I to VIII as a possible conspiracy to defame the state government and said those responsible would face strict action.

Speaking to The Times of India, Majhi said the scale of errors was unprecedented and warranted a thorough investigation into the entire textbook preparation process.

CM Suspects Larger Conspiracy
"Errors did occur earlier, but the scale this time is unusually high. The entire process -- from manuscript preparation and vetting to printing -- needs scrutiny. I suspect a larger conspiracy to defame the government," Majhi said.

The Chief Minister said the state government has taken the issue seriously and constituted a committee to investigate the lapses and fix accountability.

Seven-Day Deadline For Probe
Majhi said he shortened the inquiry timeline after initially being advised to allow the panel 15 days to complete its investigation.

"There was an initial suggestion to give the panel 15 days, but I insisted on a seven-day deadline. Those found involved will face strict action," he said.

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Faulty Textbooks To Be Replaced
The Chief Minister announced that all textbooks containing errors and already distributed to students would be withdrawn and replaced with corrected editions.

"If evidence of conspiracy is found, the cost incurred on printing will be recovered from those responsible," the CM said.

Teachers Asked To Correct Errors
The large number of mistakes in the newly printed textbooks triggered widespread criticism from teachers, parents and students across the state.

In the interim, the School and Mass Education Department has issued a corrigendum directing schools to help students identify and correct the errors until revised textbooks are supplied.

The government has said it will put safeguards in place to prevent similar lapses in future textbook publication.