To err is Punjab School Education Board
Charanjit Singh Teja
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, February 10
As per the textbook on environmental education for Class V students, plants inhale oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Published under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the book has left students confused.
The bloomer is in the first chapter of the book. Photosynthesis and respiration do not find mention in the chapter. The book is prescribed by the Education Department for students of Punjab School Education Board-affiliated schools. In the past eight months, not even a single teacher approached the authorities apprising them of the mistake. Sukhdarshan Singh, a science teacher, said, “The information is incorrect. The board authorities should review the book. Why would people plant saplings if plants release carbon dioxide?” Sandeep Singh, another teacher, said, “There are several mistakes in the translated version of the book.” Pardeep Kapoor, District Science Supervisor (DSS), said, “I am not aware of any such mistake. Teachers review books in the beginning of the academic session. We will go through the book and carry out the correction.”