Balangir: The Biju Janata Dal organized a major demonstration in Balangir under the leadership of senior BJD Lawmaker, Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo as part of its statewide Siksha Banchao campaign.
The protest took place in front of the Balangir District Collectorate office, raising strong objections against alleged errors found in school textbooks printed for Classes I to VIII under the National Education Policy 2020 framework.
Balangir MLA Shri Singh Deo spearheaded the agitation alongside thousands of youth and student activists, demanding immediate government action to protect the educational standards of the state.
The rally was supported by key state leadership, including Biju Yuva Janata Dal President Chinmay Sahu and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal President Ipsita Sahu. During the demonstration, party leaders accused the government of an alleged 380 crore rupee scam in textbook printing and demanded an immediate inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation, along with the resignation of the School and Mass Education Minister. Protesters expressed deep concern that with final student examinations approaching in two to three months, studying from defective materials would permanently compromise the academic performance and future prospects of young learners across Odisha.
Speakers at the demonstration drew comparisons between the current situation and the previous administration under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, highlighting that educational reforms under the 5-T initiative had earned wide acclaim for the state, whereas current administrative oversights are causing national repute issues. Party representatives emphasized that errors in foundational educational materials affect not only administrative efficiency but also represent an infringement on Odia language, literature, heritage, culture, and student rights.
The mass gathering ended with the submission of an official memorandum addressed to the state government via the District Collector. Prominent local leaders who attended the protest alongside thousands of supporters included Rajendra Prasad Hota, Balangir Municipal Chairperson Lika Sahu, Devaki Sahu, Saroj Meher, Nihar Ranjan Behera, Jatin Patel, Suman Nanda, Subrat Singh, Pradyumna Tripathi, Laxman Kumar Meher, Prabhas Panigrahi, Gunja Khan, Giriraj Majhi, Ajit Joshi, Hansraj Jain, Amjad Khan, Gita Bishi, Shambhu Nag, Nilakanta Bag, Manasi Biswal, Saroj Pradhan, Nirupama Patel, Sadar Sarita Bag, Dayanidhi Khamari, and Bibhuti Bhushan Mishra. BJD representatives reiterated that protests will continue until full corrections are made and student safeguards are guaranteed.