NCERT textbook changes 2024: Do allegations of saffronisation hold true for the latest revisions in Political Science books?
NEW DELHI: Under the BJP-led NDA government, significant revisions to NCERT textbooks have stirred controversy time and again, with critics accusing the government of saffronizing educational materials. Key changes this time include replacing references to the Babri Masjid with ‘three-domed structure’ and reducing content related to Ayodhya in Class 11 and 12 Political Science textbooks.
In the Class 11 Political Science textbook, the chapter on Secularism previously stated, “More than 1,000 persons, mostly Muslims, were massacred during the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002.” This has been changed to, “More than 1,000 persons were killed during the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002,” removing the specific reference to Muslims.Similarly, the mention of Nehru’s criticism of the majority community’s communalism now omits the phrase “which posed a threat to national unity.” In the Class 12 textbook, the account of women abducted during partition now excludes the phrase “on both sides of the border,” and definitions of political terms like ‘Left’ have been altered to emphasise state control of the economy. References to the Babri Masjid have been minimised, and it is now referred to as a “three-domed structure.”
In the Class 12 Political Science textbook, other significant deletions include the BJP’s ‘rath yatra’ from Somnath to Ayodhya, the role of kar sevaks, and details of communal violence following the Babri Masjid’s demolition. The revised narrative now highlights the legal and political dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, culminating in the Supreme Court’s decision to construct the Ram Temple. The section on recent political developments has also been modified, with updates to the portrayal of the Congress and BJP’s vote shares and the implications of the Mandal Commission’s recommendations.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Political figures like Congress leader Jairam Ramesh have been vocal in their criticism. Ramesh condemned the alterations as an assault on India’s secular constitution, highlighting concerns over historical accuracy and ideological bias. He argued that such revisions could influence educational narratives towards a partisan agenda rather than objective learning.
Objections from Former Advisors
Former chief advisors for political science textbooks, Suhas Palshikar and Yogendra Yadav, have threatened legal action against NCERT. They expressed dismay over their names being associated with textbooks they no longer endorse, despite prior requests for disassociation. Palshikar and Yadav argue that the revisions distort historical facts and undermine the academic integrity of NCERT’s educational resources.
NCERT’s Justification
NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani defended the revisions, stating they were based on expert recommendations aimed at updating outdated content and aligning with current legal perspectives. Saklani emphasised the importance of maintaining educational relevance while adhering to constitutional principles. He also clarified that the changes were made to streamline information and reduce academic burden, particularly in light of disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Historical Context and Government Influence
The controversy surrounding NCERT’s textbook revisions is not unprecedented as already mentioned. Since 2014, the BJP-led government has faced criticism for allegedly promoting a saffron agenda in educational reforms. Previous changes to textbooks have also sparked debates over historical accuracy and ideological influence, reflecting broader concerns about the politicisation of education in India.
In 2017, revisions in the NCERT book ‘Recent Developments in Indian Politics’ sparked controversy. The change included altering the nomenclature of the Gujarat riots from ‘anti-Muslim riots’ to ‘Gujarat riots’. This change was seen as part of a broader effort to reshape historical narratives. Additionally, contentious alterations, such as the removal of maps depicting Aksai Chin as a ‘disputed area’ and the exclusion of chapters on the Mughal Empire from syllabi, have fueled debates over ideological influences on educational content.
In the Class 11 Political Science textbook, the chapter on Secularism previously stated, “More than 1,000 persons, mostly Muslims, were massacred during the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002.” This has been changed to, “More than 1,000 persons were killed during the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002,” removing the specific reference to Muslims.Similarly, the mention of Nehru’s criticism of the majority community’s communalism now omits the phrase “which posed a threat to national unity.” In the Class 12 textbook, the account of women abducted during partition now excludes the phrase “on both sides of the border,” and definitions of political terms like ‘Left’ have been altered to emphasise state control of the economy. References to the Babri Masjid have been minimised, and it is now referred to as a “three-domed structure.”
In the Class 12 Political Science textbook, other significant deletions include the BJP’s ‘rath yatra’ from Somnath to Ayodhya, the role of kar sevaks, and details of communal violence following the Babri Masjid’s demolition. The revised narrative now highlights the legal and political dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, culminating in the Supreme Court’s decision to construct the Ram Temple. The section on recent political developments has also been modified, with updates to the portrayal of the Congress and BJP’s vote shares and the implications of the Mandal Commission’s recommendations.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Political figures like Congress leader Jairam Ramesh have been vocal in their criticism. Ramesh condemned the alterations as an assault on India’s secular constitution, highlighting concerns over historical accuracy and ideological bias. He argued that such revisions could influence educational narratives towards a partisan agenda rather than objective learning.
Objections from Former Advisors
Former chief advisors for political science textbooks, Suhas Palshikar and Yogendra Yadav, have threatened legal action against NCERT. They expressed dismay over their names being associated with textbooks they no longer endorse, despite prior requests for disassociation. Palshikar and Yadav argue that the revisions distort historical facts and undermine the academic integrity of NCERT’s educational resources.
NCERT’s Justification
NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani defended the revisions, stating they were based on expert recommendations aimed at updating outdated content and aligning with current legal perspectives. Saklani emphasised the importance of maintaining educational relevance while adhering to constitutional principles. He also clarified that the changes were made to streamline information and reduce academic burden, particularly in light of disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Historical Context and Government Influence
The controversy surrounding NCERT’s textbook revisions is not unprecedented as already mentioned. Since 2014, the BJP-led government has faced criticism for allegedly promoting a saffron agenda in educational reforms. Previous changes to textbooks have also sparked debates over historical accuracy and ideological influence, reflecting broader concerns about the politicisation of education in India.
In 2017, revisions in the NCERT book ‘Recent Developments in Indian Politics’ sparked controversy. The change included altering the nomenclature of the Gujarat riots from ‘anti-Muslim riots’ to ‘Gujarat riots’. This change was seen as part of a broader effort to reshape historical narratives. Additionally, contentious alterations, such as the removal of maps depicting Aksai Chin as a ‘disputed area’ and the exclusion of chapters on the Mughal Empire from syllabi, have fueled debates over ideological influences on educational content.
(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
About The Author
