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Former SCERT Director Arrested in Odisha Textbook Case; Investigation Intensifies into ₹175 Crore Printing and Publication Irregularities

Sunil Jena
Crime Branch investigation into the Odisha SCERT textbook controversy showing school textbooks, education department files, printing press documents and investigation records, symbolising the arrest of former SCERT Director Manoj Padhi and the probe into alleged ₹175 crore textbook publication irregularities.

Sunil Jena
Editor-in-Chief, The Politics Odia

Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government’s investigation into the controversial textbook error case has entered a new phase with the Crime Branch arresting former SCERT Director Manoj Padhi after hours of questioning. The action comes amid allegations of large-scale irregularities in the preparation, printing and distribution of school textbooks, with officials estimating a financial impact of nearly ₹175 crore.

The arrest follows an FIR lodged by the current SCERT Director, Madhusmita Sahu, after which a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the matter.

According to the complaint, former SCERT Director Manoj Padhi has been named as a key accused in the alleged irregularities surrounding textbook publication. Crime Branch officials questioned him extensively before placing him under arrest as part of the ongoing investigation.

Allegations of Criminal Conspiracy

Investigators have alleged that serious lapses occurred during the preparation, editing, printing and distribution of textbooks under SCERT’s supervision.

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The FIR alleges that Manoj Padhi, along with certain assistant directors and coordinators, entered into a criminal conspiracy with two private printing firms based in Cuttack—M/s Jagannath Process and M/s Neelkanth Printers.

The allegations further state that textbooks containing factual and editorial errors were knowingly approved for printing and subsequently distributed to students despite awareness of the mistakes. The case is being investigated under allegations involving criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and official misconduct.

Administrative Action Already Initiated

Earlier, based on the findings of a committee constituted under the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, disciplinary action had been initiated against 10 officials connected with the case.

Former Director Manoj Padhi and three assistant directors were suspended, while departmental proceedings were initiated against six other officials.

Sources indicate that the Crime Branch may now question several suspended officials as the investigation expands to determine individual roles and decision-making responsibilities during the textbook publication process.

Political Questions Continue

The textbook controversy has become one of the most debated governance issues in Odisha’s education sector after thousands of factual, editorial and printing errors were identified in newly introduced school textbooks.

While the latest arrest marks a significant development in the criminal investigation, political debate continues over whether administrative accountability should extend beyond departmental officials.

The state government has maintained that strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible after completion of the investigation.

As the probe progresses, investigators are expected to examine procurement procedures, approval mechanisms, editorial supervision and the role of all officials involved in the publication process.

The Political Lens By Sunil Jena

The arrest of a senior official marks a significant step in the investigation, but the larger test lies in establishing institutional accountability through due process. Public confidence in the education system will ultimately depend on a transparent investigation, clear responsibility, and systemic reforms that prevent similar failures in the future.

Author Profile

Sunil Jena
Sunil Jena is the Editor of The Politics Odia, an independent digital platform that delivers fearless political analysis, ground reports, and investigative stories from Odisha. Known for bold storytelling and grassroots connections, Sunil is shaping a new era of regional journalism.

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