Amid backlash, NCERT forms panel to examine select textbooks based on ‘available evidence’

Amid controversy over the content in the new Class 8 NCERT social science textbooks, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has constituted a high-level committee to examine the ‘substantial’ feedback. The move comes after critics argued that the omission of chapters could dilute the historical content of the curriculum.

The committee, convened by the head of the curriculum department, is tasked with deliberating on content or pedagogy and making “evidence-based decisions”. The panel comprised high-level domain experts from reputed institutions and faculty members from the relevant subject areas.

Without specifying the exact textbooks under review, the council said it received feedback about the educational content in a few textbooks.

Stating that the teaching-learning material, including NCERT textbooks, align with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for school education, the council reiterated that it is an “established practice” to form a committee to review such feedback and suggestions on educational content.

It further stated that the committee will examine the feedback based on the “available evidence” and has been directed to submit its report at the earliest.

Also read MP questions NCERT’s removal of Tipu Sultan, Raziya Sultan from history books; MoE says changes ‘contextual'

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The issue was also raised in the Parliament recently by the Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee, who questioned the removal of chapters on Tipu Sultan and reference to Raziya Sultan and Nur Jahan. Responding to which, the Union education ministry stated that the personalities have been included “contextually and in accordance with curricular objectives”.

NCERT’s Class 8 social science was criticised not only for omitting topics and historical events, but for also incorrectly mapping Jaisalmer city under the Maratha Empire.

Some academics, researchers, and professors welcomed the new NCERT narrative of the Mughal dynasty, which termed the rule as “brutality”, “ruthless”, and “cruel”.

The NCERT further defended its move by stating that the aim is to make students aware of our past and various events between the 13th to mid-19th century - that have influenced the country’s growth today.