Adhyapika Niharika Das Smruti Nyas, which has been felicitating the best proof-readers for the last two years, demanded that universities in the State start proof-reading course in the Odia language.

The convener of the trust, Mr. Deepak Kumar Mahanta, in a statement here today, said that since proof-reading is an inseparable part of book publishing, developed countries give special attention to it. But because we are neglecting this important aspect of publishing, errors are creeping into our published books. Alleging that the textbooks recently published by SCERT have not undergone proof-reading at all, he pointed out that they contain countless errors.

Mr. Mahanta further said that the number of skilled proof-readers in the Odia language is declining day by day. Various universities in the country have already included proof-reading in their curriculum. In this context, he demanded that universities in our State introduce certificate course in proof-reading in the Odia language.