Monsoon Session of Odisha House witnesses ruckus over textbook errors, mines Act

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The Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly began on a stormy note on the expected line with the Biju Janata Dal and Congress targeting the Mohan Majhi government over two contentious issues—the fiasco in the preparation of school textbooks and allegations that the State’s interests were compromised in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.

Repeated disruptions marked the day as Opposition members rushed to the well of the House, demanding accountability from the State government over the issues. The BJD demanded the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over distributing error-ridden textbooks for the current academic year. The government has started distributing corrected textbooks, but nearly half the academic year has passed.

Meanwhile, Congress members raised the issue of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, alleging that the Centre had taken away the State’s authority over its mineral resources. They demanded the withdrawal of the amendments and probed how much revenue the State stood to lose due to its implementation.

Speaker Surama Padhy was forced to adjourn the proceedings following vociferous protests by the BJD and Congress members. The BJD later took its protest to the streets, staging a demonstration at Lower PMG Square, in front of the State Assembly.

The Assembly session will continue till October 3. The government plans to introduce six Bills during the session.

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