A major blunder in Punjab’s Class 9 Computer Science textbook has sparked an inquiry after it was discovered that the word “mouse” was incorrectly translated as chooha—the Urdu word for rat.
The error, found in Chapter 11 titled Computer Science and Entrepreneurship, has raised concerns about the quality of academic oversight in school curricula. The Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) has now sought a detailed explanation from the author and demanded all related documents. The Director of Curriculum and Compliance has also been ordered to file a report within 24 hours.
Why the Mistake Matters
In computer science, a mouse is a critical input device used for navigation and interaction with digital systems. By translating the term literally as “rat,” the textbook not only introduced factual inaccuracy but also risked confusing thousands of students trying to understand basic computer concepts.
This type of mistake, education experts warn, undermines trust in official learning material and can distort students’ understanding of technical subjects—especially in a world where digital literacy is increasingly essential.
Broader Concerns About Textbook Oversight
This incident is not the first time Punjab’s textbooks have faced criticism. Errors of translation and outdated information have often slipped into state-published content, highlighting persistent gaps in quality checks. The latest controversy has once again fueled calls for stricter editorial review processes before books are distributed in schools.
For now, all eyes are on the inquiry report, which is expected to determine how such an elementary error made its way into a published textbook.
