Bhubaneswar, 01 July (H.S.): The Nabarangpur District Congress on Wednesday observed a 12-hour bandh, demanding the resignation of Odisha's School and Mass Education Minister, Nityananda Gond, over alleged errors in school textbooks prescribed for students from Classes I to VIII.

The bandh, scheduled from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, commenced nearly an hour behind schedule due to rainfall. Congress workers staged demonstrations and road blockades at Majhiguda Chhak and Chaunriaguda Chhak in Nabarangpur town, disrupting vehicular movement in several parts of the district.

The party alleged that the reported mistakes in the newly introduced textbooks expose serious lapses in the state's education system and reflect negligence on the part of the School and Mass Education Department. Holding the department accountable, Congress leaders demanded immediate corrective measures and called for the resignation of Minister Nityananda Gond.

The protest comes amid mounting criticism over inaccuracies reportedly found in textbooks being used by students across Classes I to VIII, with the opposition accusing the government of compromising academic standards.

Despite the bandh, essential services remained unaffected. Medical stores, milk outlets, ambulance services and petrol pumps continued to operate as usual to ensure public convenience.

The district administration kept a close watch on the situation throughout the day, while police personnel were deployed at strategic locations across Nabarangpur to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda