Bhubaneswar: Normal life was disrupted in Nabarangpur district on Wednesday as a 12-hour bandh called by the district unit of the Congress over alleged errors in school textbooks for Classes I to VIII affected transport and business activities across the region.
The bandh, observed from 6 am to 6 pm, saw Congress workers staging road blockades at Majhiguda and the Chaunriaguda intersection, demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over the alleged lapses in the textbooks.
Vehicular movement was affected on several routes, while shops and commercial establishments remained closed in many areas. However, emergency services, including ambulances, fire service vehicles and electricity department vehicles, were allowed to operate.
The protest was organised by the Nabarangpur District Congress Committee (DCC), which alleged that the errors in the textbooks reflected serious negligence on the part of the state government and could adversely affect students’ learning.
Addressing reporters, Nabarangpur DCC president Lipika Majhi said the issue had caused widespread concern among parents and teachers. She alleged that the publication of textbooks containing errors had undermined the quality of school education and demanded accountability from the government.
“The minister represents the Umarkot Assembly constituency in Nabarangpur district. People expected quality education for their children, but the errors in the textbooks have disappointed everyone. We demand his resignation, and those responsible for publishing such books should be held accountable,” Majhi said.
She further alleged that some of the textbook content was inappropriate and failed to meet educational standards.
“Our protest is aimed at protecting the interests of students and ensuring that such lapses are not repeated. This is about safeguarding the future of our children,” she added.
The bandh passed off largely peacefully, although commuters faced inconvenience due to road blockades and disruptions in public transport. Police personnel were deployed at sensitive locations to maintain law and order.
