What’s happening to the NCERT books? The latest editions of the Class 9 social science book have left many Indians curious. The new book, released by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), has made some significant changes to the content.
The most striking change is the addition of a chapter on the Emergency, which was imposed by President Indira Gandhi in 1975. The chapter is titled ‘The Emergency and the Indian Constitution’. On the other hand, the Preamble and the concept of secularism, which are essential components of the Indian Constitution, have been dropped.
What’s Behind These Changes?
The NCERT has not provided any official explanation for these changes. However, sources within the organisation say that the decision was taken to make the book more ‘relevant’ and ‘engaging’ for students. The new chapter on the Emergency is meant to highlight the challenges faced by the Indian democracy during that period and to teach students about the importance of constitutional provisions.
However, many experts and teachers are not happy with these changes. They feel that the removal of the Preamble and secularism from the book will distort the understanding of the Indian Constitution and its core principles. The Preamble is a foundational document that sets out the fundamental values and objectives of the Indian Constitution, while secularism is a cornerstone of the Indian democracy.
Why These Changes Matter
The changes in the NCERT book are significant because they reflect a broader trend of revising history and distorting the facts to suit a particular narrative. In recent years, there have been several instances of NCERT and other educational institutions revising the curriculum to reflect a more nationalist and Hindu-centric view of history.
The removal of the Preamble and secularism from the NCERT book is a worrying trend because it suggests that the authorities are more interested in teaching students a particular ideology than in providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Constitution and its principles. This can have serious consequences for the education system and for the democratic values of the country.
As the country prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the changes in the NCERT book have sparked a debate about the role of education in shaping public opinion and the importance of preserving the truth.
The NCERT has invited feedback from teachers, students, and other stakeholders on the new book. However, with the Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be reversed or whether they will become a permanent part of the curriculum.
What’s Next?
The changes in the NCERT book are a wake-up call for all of us. It’s time to reflect on the kind of education system we want for our children and to ensure that the truth is preserved and not distorted. As citizens of this great nation, it’s our duty to speak out against such changes and to demand that the authorities restore the original content of the book.
The future of our democracy depends on it.