The idiom "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing" became true as a blunder was reported that the word “computer mouse” was translated into Urdu as “chooha (rat)” in the 9th class Computer Science textbook in Punjab, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.
The Punjab Education, Curriculum and Assessment Authority (PECTA) launched an inquiry ordering Direct Curriculum and Compliance to submit a detailed and comprehensive reply within 24 hours.
The error appeared in Chapter 11 of the Computer Science and Entrepreneurship section, raising concerns among educators and parents about the quality of content being provided to students.
The textbook in question was published under the supervision of PCTB (Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board) and distributed to government schools across the province.
Following the discovery, the PCTB administration has demanded a full explanation from the concerned authors and publishers, instructing them to submit all relevant records for review.
The Director of Curriculum and Compliance has been given 24 hours to respond with a detailed report on how the mistake occurred and what corrective measures are being taken.
This incident has once again brought the spotlight on textbook accuracy and the importance of quality control in educational content provided to students at a foundational level.
Earlier in January 2025, the Punjab Textbook and Curriculum Board prepared a new syllabus of 9th class, under which the students will read seven books in Urdu or English as per their choice.
The provincial government has also established a skill development and entrepreneurship department, under which all functions of technical education and assessment will be fulfilled.
According to officials, the government had decided to change the 9th class curriculum as part of efforts to upgrade the standard of education in the province.
Following the instructions of the Punjab government, the curriculum and textbook board has prepared an updated syllabus.
A senior official said the 9th class students will have a choice in the coming academic year to study in Urdu or English.
The students of the class are currently bound to study in English and the Punjab Textbook and Curriculum Board publishes the books in the language.
A senior official of the board said students in various districts had been facing problems in studying in English language, and the complaints had been brought to the attention of the Punjab government.
Reporter: Junaid Riaz