Odisha textbook revision process lacked oversight, inquiry finds

An official inquiry committee examining Odisha's textbook revision process has flagged serious institutional gaps that compromised the quality assurance framework. The investigation found that resource persons were repeatedly assigned multiple responsibilities for identical classes and subjects, serving simultaneously as writers, reviewers, proofreaders, and final subject experts—a practice that undermined independent scrutiny at each stage.

The dual and overlapping roles created a system where individual expertise could not be independently verified, and errors faced limited opportunity for external correction. By concentrating editorial decisions within single hands, the process eliminated the checks and balances typically inherent in professional publishing workflows.

A critical finding was the absence of structured orientation or training for textbook writers before they commenced work. This lack of preparatory guidance meant contributors proceeded without clear standards, methodological frameworks, or institutional expectations governing their contributions.

The committee's report suggests the textbook development process operated under time pressure that prioritized speed over systematic quality control. The findings point to the need for comprehensive procedural reforms, including segregated editorial roles, mandatory writer orientation programmes, and extended review timelines to ensure textbook accuracy and pedagogical soundness across Odisha's education system.