News Analysis India

Tag: NCERT

  • Opposition slams Centre after NCERT panel’s suggests replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in textbooks

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Leaders of several opposition parties on Wednesday opposed an NCERT panel’s recommendation to replace “India” with “Bharat” in school textbooks, and alleged that the ruling BJP wanted to change history and was taking such “desperate steps” fearing its defeat at the hands of the opposition bloc INDIA.

    Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said the word “India” evoked as much pride as “Bharat” but the ruling dispensation wants “to indoctrinate an entire generation into hating a word we grew up feeling a lot of pride towards.”

    There has been a raging debate over the government using “Bharat” instead of “India” at various international events in the recent past after the opposition parties named their grouping as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

    A high-level committee constituted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to revise the social sciences curriculum has recommended that “India” should be replaced with “Bharat” in textbooks for all classes.

    According to committee chairperson C I Isaac, the panel has also suggested introducing “classical history”, instead of “ancient history”, in the curriculum and including the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the syllabus for all subjects. NCERT Chairman Dinesh Saklani, however, said no decision has been taken yet on the panel’s recommendations.

    Reacting sharply to the recommendations, Congress leader Venugopal said, “Be it Team India on the field or the Indian Space Research Organisation – the word India evokes pride just as much as Bharat. Their fear of a resounding defeat at the hands of INDIA is making them take such desperate steps.”

    “These name-changers want to indoctrinate an entire generation into hating a word we grew up feeling a lot of pride towards,” he said in a post on X.

    He later told reporters that the BJP is neither sincere towards “Bharat” nor towards “India.”

    “Changing the name is merely a tactic by the BJP for politics of polarisation,” he said.

    Venugopal claimed that they are suggesting so many things in their bid to distort India’s history through school textbooks and curriculum. “For us, India and Bharat are equal,” he asserted.

    Another Congress leader, Ambika Soni, said, “In the Constitution, it is written India that is Bharat. Both names are there.”

    RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said it has been a hysterical reaction of the BJP regime ever since the INDIA bloc was formed. “Will they change the name of country to ‘Jambudweep’ or some other name if the INDIA alliance changes its name to ‘BHARAT’,” he claimed.

    AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, “It shows the fear PM Modi has of the INDIA alliance. His alliance partners are leaving him. Instead of changing name, efforts should be made to focus on issues of joblessness, inflation, and corruption.”

    DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai said the BJP is restoring to name-change politics in order “to divert the attention of people from its misdeeds and maladministration.”

    Congress leader and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the NCERT panel recommendation was “wrong” and alleged an NDA hand behind the move.

    Shivakumar wondered why there is the Reserve Bank of India, Indian Administrative Services and Indian Foreign Services, hinting that the word “Bharat” was not used. “Why the Republic of India is written on Indian passport,” he asked.

    Alleging that the NDA government forced the NCERT to take the “decision”, he said the move was “completely wrong” and urged the Centre not to accept the recommendation.

    “You cannot change the history of India. Though you try to change Congress’ history, you cannot do it. The Congress’ history is the country’s history. So the Congress party has given the country a great history. We have ensured India’s independence. We call it Indian independence. We don’t call it Bharat independence,” he said.

    Congress leader Salman Khurshid said, “Our perspective is far more profound when it comes to Bharat, whether it’s India, Bharat, or Hindustan, they (BJP) won’t understand. They only focus on their electoral gains in everything they do.”

    Congress leader Jignesh Mevani the move showed disrespect towards the Constitution in which “India, that is, Bharat” is written. “So, both words can be used interchangeably,” he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: Leaders of several opposition parties on Wednesday opposed an NCERT panel’s recommendation to replace “India” with “Bharat” in school textbooks, and alleged that the ruling BJP wanted to change history and was taking such “desperate steps” fearing its defeat at the hands of the opposition bloc INDIA.

    Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said the word “India” evoked as much pride as “Bharat” but the ruling dispensation wants “to indoctrinate an entire generation into hating a word we grew up feeling a lot of pride towards.”

    There has been a raging debate over the government using “Bharat” instead of “India” at various international events in the recent past after the opposition parties named their grouping as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    A high-level committee constituted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to revise the social sciences curriculum has recommended that “India” should be replaced with “Bharat” in textbooks for all classes.

    According to committee chairperson C I Isaac, the panel has also suggested introducing “classical history”, instead of “ancient history”, in the curriculum and including the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the syllabus for all subjects. NCERT Chairman Dinesh Saklani, however, said no decision has been taken yet on the panel’s recommendations.

    Reacting sharply to the recommendations, Congress leader Venugopal said, “Be it Team India on the field or the Indian Space Research Organisation – the word India evokes pride just as much as Bharat. Their fear of a resounding defeat at the hands of INDIA is making them take such desperate steps.”

    “These name-changers want to indoctrinate an entire generation into hating a word we grew up feeling a lot of pride towards,” he said in a post on X.

    He later told reporters that the BJP is neither sincere towards “Bharat” nor towards “India.”

    “Changing the name is merely a tactic by the BJP for politics of polarisation,” he said.

    Venugopal claimed that they are suggesting so many things in their bid to distort India’s history through school textbooks and curriculum. “For us, India and Bharat are equal,” he asserted.

    Another Congress leader, Ambika Soni, said, “In the Constitution, it is written India that is Bharat. Both names are there.”

    RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said it has been a hysterical reaction of the BJP regime ever since the INDIA bloc was formed. “Will they change the name of country to ‘Jambudweep’ or some other name if the INDIA alliance changes its name to ‘BHARAT’,” he claimed.

    AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, “It shows the fear PM Modi has of the INDIA alliance. His alliance partners are leaving him. Instead of changing name, efforts should be made to focus on issues of joblessness, inflation, and corruption.”

    DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai said the BJP is restoring to name-change politics in order “to divert the attention of people from its misdeeds and maladministration.”

    Congress leader and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the NCERT panel recommendation was “wrong” and alleged an NDA hand behind the move.

    Shivakumar wondered why there is the Reserve Bank of India, Indian Administrative Services and Indian Foreign Services, hinting that the word “Bharat” was not used. “Why the Republic of India is written on Indian passport,” he asked.

    Alleging that the NDA government forced the NCERT to take the “decision”, he said the move was “completely wrong” and urged the Centre not to accept the recommendation.

    “You cannot change the history of India. Though you try to change Congress’ history, you cannot do it. The Congress’ history is the country’s history. So the Congress party has given the country a great history. We have ensured India’s independence. We call it Indian independence. We don’t call it Bharat independence,” he said.

    Congress leader Salman Khurshid said, “Our perspective is far more profound when it comes to Bharat, whether it’s India, Bharat, or Hindustan, they (BJP) won’t understand. They only focus on their electoral gains in everything they do.”

    Congress leader Jignesh Mevani the move showed disrespect towards the Constitution in which “India, that is, Bharat” is written. “So, both words can be used interchangeably,” he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Scientists write letter demanding restoration of theory of evolution in Class X textbook

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The NCERT’s decision to drop the theory of biological evolution from the science syllabus in the Class X curriculum of the CBSE has raised concerns among scientists, science teachers and educators. The scientific community feels that depriving the students of exposure to this fundamental discovery of science will seriously handicap their thought process.

    The academics said removing the chapter from textbooks would deprive the students from understanding the process of evolution which is “crucial in building a scientific temper”, adding that it is a “travesty of education”.

    In an open letter titled ‘An Appeal Against Exclusion of Evolution from Curriculum’, Breakthrough Science Society, a nationwide voluntary organisation committed to the cause of science, culture and scientific outlook, has demanded that the theory of Darwinian evolution be restored in secondary education.

    ALSO READ | Deleting content from school textbooks is problematic

    The letter is signed by over 1,800 scientists, science teachers and educators. These include scientists from institutions of repute such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and IITs.

    “Knowledge and understanding of evolutionary biology is important not just to any sub-field of biology, but is also key to understanding the world around us. Evolutionary biology is an area of science with a huge impact on how we choose to deal with an array of problems we face as societies and nations from medicine and drug discovery, epidemiology, ecology and environment, to psychology, and it also addresses our understanding of humans and their place in the tapestry of life. Although many of us do not explicitly realise, the principles of natural selection help us understand how any pandemic progresses or why certain species go extinct, among many other critical issues,” states the letter.

    According to a document from the NCERT, the chapter on evolution was removed from the rationalised content in the textbook for Class 10. The chapter, earlier titled ‘Heredity and Evolution’, is now called ‘Heredity’.

    The list of dropped topics in this chapter includes Charles Darwin, origin of life on Earth, molecular phylogeny, evolution, and tracing evolutionary relationships.

    NEW DELHI: The NCERT’s decision to drop the theory of biological evolution from the science syllabus in the Class X curriculum of the CBSE has raised concerns among scientists, science teachers and educators. The scientific community feels that depriving the students of exposure to this fundamental discovery of science will seriously handicap their thought process.

    The academics said removing the chapter from textbooks would deprive the students from understanding the process of evolution which is “crucial in building a scientific temper”, adding that it is a “travesty of education”.

    In an open letter titled ‘An Appeal Against Exclusion of Evolution from Curriculum’, Breakthrough Science Society, a nationwide voluntary organisation committed to the cause of science, culture and scientific outlook, has demanded that the theory of Darwinian evolution be restored in secondary education.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | Deleting content from school textbooks is problematic

    The letter is signed by over 1,800 scientists, science teachers and educators. These include scientists from institutions of repute such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and IITs.

    “Knowledge and understanding of evolutionary biology is important not just to any sub-field of biology, but is also key to understanding the world around us. Evolutionary biology is an area of science with a huge impact on how we choose to deal with an array of problems we face as societies and nations from medicine and drug discovery, epidemiology, ecology and environment, to psychology, and it also addresses our understanding of humans and their place in the tapestry of life. Although many of us do not explicitly realise, the principles of natural selection help us understand how any pandemic progresses or why certain species go extinct, among many other critical issues,” states the letter.

    According to a document from the NCERT, the chapter on evolution was removed from the rationalised content in the textbook for Class 10. The chapter, earlier titled ‘Heredity and Evolution’, is now called ‘Heredity’.

    The list of dropped topics in this chapter includes Charles Darwin, origin of life on Earth, molecular phylogeny, evolution, and tracing evolutionary relationships.

  • Ensure state boards, schools prescribe NCERT books: NCPCR

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has directed the Department of School Education to ensure that all state boards and schools prescribe books by the National Council of Educational Research Training (NCERT) for students from Class 1 to 12.

    It also said that no child should be discriminated against, harassed, or neglected by schools for carrying books published/prescribed by the NCERT, causing “mental or physical suffering.”

    “Any action taken against the child and hence, may attract the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015,”  the letter issued on April 13 said.

    The Commission in its letter to all principal secretaries said such directions issued by the state should be displayed on their department website.

    “Also, the schools are directed to display the directions on the school’s website and notice board. A copy of the directions be circulated and disseminated by the schools among parents for information,” the letter said. 

    “Uniformity in the curriculum in all schools under RTE Act, 2009 and quality education for all children,” the letter said. The Commission has also asked them to send compliance with their recommendations within 30 days of the issue of the letter.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, NCPCR Chairperson Priyanka Kanoongo said that schools are “extorting money” to sell books by private publishers.

    “We have received complaints pan-India from parents that private schools are harassing and forcing them to buy books from private publications, which are very costly. Private schools are extorting money from parents. All schools should prescribe NCERT books from Class 1 to 12,” he said.

    Kanoongo said if the state authorities flag such cases, they can step in and issue notices to such schools. “We can issue notice; an FIR can be registered against such schools under Juvenile Justice Act 75.” 

    He said the curriculum prescribed by NCERT should be followed in all schools affiliated with CBSE, including private schools and schools under the central government such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).

    “Reduction in cost of education in private schools to the extent that only prescribed books by NCERT/SCERT will be followed at the elementary level,” the letter added. 

    “Reducing the weight of school bags is one of the priorities,” the NCPCR head said.

    NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has directed the Department of School Education to ensure that all state boards and schools prescribe books by the National Council of Educational Research Training (NCERT) for students from Class 1 to 12.

    It also said that no child should be discriminated against, harassed, or neglected by schools for carrying books published/prescribed by the NCERT, causing “mental or physical suffering.”

    “Any action taken against the child and hence, may attract the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015,”  the letter issued on April 13 said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Commission in its letter to all principal secretaries said such directions issued by the state should be displayed on their department website.

    “Also, the schools are directed to display the directions on the school’s website and notice board. A copy of the directions be circulated and disseminated by the schools among parents for information,” the letter said. 

    “Uniformity in the curriculum in all schools under RTE Act, 2009 and quality education for all children,” the letter said. The Commission has also asked them to send compliance with their recommendations within 30 days of the issue of the letter.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, NCPCR Chairperson Priyanka Kanoongo said that schools are “extorting money” to sell books by private publishers.

    “We have received complaints pan-India from parents that private schools are harassing and forcing them to buy books from private publications, which are very costly. Private schools are extorting money from parents. All schools should prescribe NCERT books from Class 1 to 12,” he said.

    Kanoongo said if the state authorities flag such cases, they can step in and issue notices to such schools. “We can issue notice; an FIR can be registered against such schools under Juvenile Justice Act 75.” 

    He said the curriculum prescribed by NCERT should be followed in all schools affiliated with CBSE, including private schools and schools under the central government such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).

    “Reduction in cost of education in private schools to the extent that only prescribed books by NCERT/SCERT will be followed at the elementary level,” the letter added. 

    “Reducing the weight of school bags is one of the priorities,” the NCPCR head said.

  • ‘What a disgrace’: Tharoor on removal of Maulana Azad references from NCERT textbook

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday slammed the government over the removal of references to India’s first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in the new NCERT class 11 political science textbook, calling it a “disgrace”.

    References to freedom fighter and India’s first education minister Azad have been removed from the new class 11 political science textbook by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

    Tagging a media report on it, Tharoor, a former minister of state for human resource development, tweeted, “What a disgrace. I have no objection to adding neglected figures to the historical narrative, but deleting people, especially for the wrong reasons, is unworthy of our diverse democracy and its storied history.”

    As part of its “syllabus rationalisation” exercise last year, the NCERT, citing “overlapping” and “irrelevant” as reasons, dropped certain portions from the course including lessons on Gujarat riots, Mughal courts, Emergency, Cold War, Naxalite movement, among others from its textbooks.

    The rationalisation note had no mention of any changes in class 11 political science textbook.

    READ MORE | NCERT’s revision of textbooks part of ‘saffronisation’ agenda, says Kerala CM

    The NCERT has, however, claimed that no curriculum trimming has taken place this year and the syllabus was rationalised in June last year.

    “Certain changes not finding mention of in the rationalised content book could be an ‘oversight’,” NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani reiterated. In the class 11 political science textbook’s first chapter, titled ‘Constitution – Why and How’, a line has been revised to omit Azad’s name from the constituent assembly committee meetings. The revised line now reads, “Usually, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Patel or BR Ambedkar chaired these Committees.”

    ALSO READ | Historians, political leaders call out NCERT’s move to remove references to Gandhi, RSS, Godse

    NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday slammed the government over the removal of references to India’s first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in the new NCERT class 11 political science textbook, calling it a “disgrace”.

    References to freedom fighter and India’s first education minister Azad have been removed from the new class 11 political science textbook by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

    Tagging a media report on it, Tharoor, a former minister of state for human resource development, tweeted, “What a disgrace. I have no objection to adding neglected figures to the historical narrative, but deleting people, especially for the wrong reasons, is unworthy of our diverse democracy and its storied history.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    As part of its “syllabus rationalisation” exercise last year, the NCERT, citing “overlapping” and “irrelevant” as reasons, dropped certain portions from the course including lessons on Gujarat riots, Mughal courts, Emergency, Cold War, Naxalite movement, among others from its textbooks.

    The rationalisation note had no mention of any changes in class 11 political science textbook.

    READ MORE | NCERT’s revision of textbooks part of ‘saffronisation’ agenda, says Kerala CM

    The NCERT has, however, claimed that no curriculum trimming has taken place this year and the syllabus was rationalised in June last year.

    “Certain changes not finding mention of in the rationalised content book could be an ‘oversight’,” NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani reiterated. In the class 11 political science textbook’s first chapter, titled ‘Constitution – Why and How’, a line has been revised to omit Azad’s name from the constituent assembly committee meetings. The revised line now reads, “Usually, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Patel or BR Ambedkar chaired these Committees.”

    ALSO READ | Historians, political leaders call out NCERT’s move to remove references to Gandhi, RSS, Godse

  • Uttarakhand to follow updated NCERT pattern, removes chapters on Mughal history

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: The history of Mughal rulers has become ‘history’ for children of Uttarakhand as the state government decides to remove chapters on Mughals from their textbooks. 

    ‘How Islam emerged and what was the Contribution of the Mughal rulers in the history of India’ will no longer be part of Uttarakhand’s curriculum.

    According to the information received, “The NCERT pattern is applicable to Uttarakhand government schools. The change in the pattern of NCERT will be implemented for the upcoming academic session 2023-24. Chapters on ‘Rise of Islam’, ‘Clash of Cultures’, ‘Industrial Revolution’, ‘Beginning of Time’ will be removed from the syllabus of the Class 11 textbook.

    “The move has been taken by NCERT academicians and experts and will definitely prove effective in terms of the changing picture,” state Director General of Education Banshidhar Tiwari told the TNIE.

    BJP state spokesperson Virendra Bisht said, “CM Dhami is also focusing on teaching what is inspirational for children. “Children behave according to what is being taught to them in schools.” 

    “Mughals can neither be an inspiration nor a source of inspiration. Therefore, the removal of the Mughal period chapter is a welcome step,” he added. 

    Meanwhile, Congress state spokesperson Garima Dasuoni took a dig at the government’s decision, “Debating on whose history has disappeared and whose has been kept is meaningless. The only thing that matters is that after 2014, India has become ‘independent’. History is being written in a new way. In such a situation, who will be glorified in this history and who will be made secondary, it will be decided by the one who is in power, which is exactly what the BJP is doing”. 

    DEHRADUN: The history of Mughal rulers has become ‘history’ for children of Uttarakhand as the state government decides to remove chapters on Mughals from their textbooks. 

    ‘How Islam emerged and what was the Contribution of the Mughal rulers in the history of India’ will no longer be part of Uttarakhand’s curriculum.

    According to the information received, “The NCERT pattern is applicable to Uttarakhand government schools. The change in the pattern of NCERT will be implemented for the upcoming academic session 2023-24. Chapters on ‘Rise of Islam’, ‘Clash of Cultures’, ‘Industrial Revolution’, ‘Beginning of Time’ will be removed from the syllabus of the Class 11 textbook.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The move has been taken by NCERT academicians and experts and will definitely prove effective in terms of the changing picture,” state Director General of Education Banshidhar Tiwari told the TNIE.

    BJP state spokesperson Virendra Bisht said, “CM Dhami is also focusing on teaching what is inspirational for children. “Children behave according to what is being taught to them in schools.” 

    “Mughals can neither be an inspiration nor a source of inspiration. Therefore, the removal of the Mughal period chapter is a welcome step,” he added. 

    Meanwhile, Congress state spokesperson Garima Dasuoni took a dig at the government’s decision, “Debating on whose history has disappeared and whose has been kept is meaningless. The only thing that matters is that after 2014, India has become ‘independent’. History is being written in a new way. In such a situation, who will be glorified in this history and who will be made secondary, it will be decided by the one who is in power, which is exactly what the BJP is doing”. 

  • Chapter on Mughal history removed to rationalise syllabus after Covid-19, claims NCERT chief

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: A day after the NCERT announced its decision to drop chapters on Mughal history sparked controversy, the education body clarified that the chapters were not removed rather they were merely rationalized to lessen the burden of students after the Covid-19 pandemic. 

    The NCERT further claimed that the reports of Mughal chapters being removed were a ‘lie’, Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, said there was a rationalisation process last year due to Covid-19.

    As the move to remove chapters on Mughal led to the furore, many took to social media to slam NCERT.

    Calling the debate “unnecessary,” the NCERT chief further said that the expert committees examined the books from classes 6-12. 

    “The expert committee recommended that the ‘removed’ chapters will not affect the children’s knowledge further it will only reduce the unnecessary burden on the students. The debate is unnecessary. Those who don’t know can check the textbooks,” he told ANI.

    “We are working as per NEP (National Education Policy) 2020. This is a transition phase. NEP 2020 seeks to reduce the content load. We are implementing it. NCF (National Curriculum Framework) for school education is being formed; it will be finalised soon. Textbooks will be printed in 2024 as per NEP. We have not dropped anything right now,” he further said.

    Under its rationalised syllabus to be taught to Class 12 from the academic session 2023-24, the NCERT removed chapters and topics related to  ‘Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal Courts’ from the history book ‘Themes of Indian History-Part II.’

    ALSO READ | No Mughal courts, industrial revolution, Partition in revised UP Board syllabus

    Describing the reported dropping of the chapter on Mughal history, Prof Mridula Mukherjee, who has taught history at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), for over four decades, said the move to rationalise the book seems to be “political and absurd.”

    “I understand that you want to reduce the burden on the students. But it cannot be done randomly. There has to be a system and logic to rationalisation. This is politically motivated.”

    The recent textbook change will apply to all schools that follow the NCERT syllabus nationwide. According to NCERT, all the changes will be applicable from the next academic session, 2003-04.

    NCERT said that under rationalisation, changes had been made in other textbooks, including Maths, Political Science, and Hindi. From the political science book, two chapters titled – ‘American Hegemony in World Politics’ and ‘The Cold War Era’ has also been removed.

    Apart from changes made in Class 12 books, NCERT has made a few changes in Class 10 and 11 books also. Chapters such as Democracy and Diversity, Challenges of Democracy, and Popular Struggles and Movements have been removed from the Class 10 – Democratic Politics-2 textbook. Also, chapters like Central Islamic Lands, Industrial Revolution and Clash of Cultures have been dropped from the Class 11 textbook titled – Themes in World History.

    NEW DELHI: A day after the NCERT announced its decision to drop chapters on Mughal history sparked controversy, the education body clarified that the chapters were not removed rather they were merely rationalized to lessen the burden of students after the Covid-19 pandemic. 

    The NCERT further claimed that the reports of Mughal chapters being removed were a ‘lie’, Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, said there was a rationalisation process last year due to Covid-19.

    As the move to remove chapters on Mughal led to the furore, many took to social media to slam NCERT.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Calling the debate “unnecessary,” the NCERT chief further said that the expert committees examined the books from classes 6-12. 

    “The expert committee recommended that the ‘removed’ chapters will not affect the children’s knowledge further it will only reduce the unnecessary burden on the students. The debate is unnecessary. Those who don’t know can check the textbooks,” he told ANI.

    “We are working as per NEP (National Education Policy) 2020. This is a transition phase. NEP 2020 seeks to reduce the content load. We are implementing it. NCF (National Curriculum Framework) for school education is being formed; it will be finalised soon. Textbooks will be printed in 2024 as per NEP. We have not dropped anything right now,” he further said.

    Under its rationalised syllabus to be taught to Class 12 from the academic session 2023-24, the NCERT removed chapters and topics related to  ‘Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal Courts’ from the history book ‘Themes of Indian History-Part II.’

    ALSO READ | No Mughal courts, industrial revolution, Partition in revised UP Board syllabus

    Describing the reported dropping of the chapter on Mughal history, Prof Mridula Mukherjee, who has taught history at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), for over four decades, said the move to rationalise the book seems to be “political and absurd.”

    “I understand that you want to reduce the burden on the students. But it cannot be done randomly. There has to be a system and logic to rationalisation. This is politically motivated.”

    The recent textbook change will apply to all schools that follow the NCERT syllabus nationwide. According to NCERT, all the changes will be applicable from the next academic session, 2003-04.

    NCERT said that under rationalisation, changes had been made in other textbooks, including Maths, Political Science, and Hindi. From the political science book, two chapters titled – ‘American Hegemony in World Politics’ and ‘The Cold War Era’ has also been removed.

    Apart from changes made in Class 12 books, NCERT has made a few changes in Class 10 and 11 books also. Chapters such as Democracy and Diversity, Challenges of Democracy, and Popular Struggles and Movements have been removed from the Class 10 – Democratic Politics-2 textbook. Also, chapters like Central Islamic Lands, Industrial Revolution and Clash of Cultures have been dropped from the Class 11 textbook titled – Themes in World History.

  • Gender-neutral uniforms, safe washrooms: NCERT’s manual for schools on transgender students

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Gender-neutral uniforms in schools, transgender-inclusive curriculum, safe washroom facilities and measures to prevent gender-based violence are among the recommendations made by a new NCERT manual for smoothly integrating the third gender in formal schooling process.

    The draft manual, titled “Integrating Transgender Concerns in Schooling Processes”, has been prepared by a new 16-member committee convened by NCERT’s Department of Gender Studies head Jyotsna Tiwari.

    “Some of the students, specially from Grade VI onward, have a preference for clothes, particularly school uniform. They do not feel comfortable in a particular dress. Schools can introduce gender-neutral uniforms which are comfortable, climate appropriate, fit and do not conform to a particular gender,” it said.

    The panel has noted that these uniforms might be designed by design institutes.

    “Many schools have introduced pants and shirts that can suit any gender and they are comfortable for all school activities. Reinforcement of gender binaries in school structures, in terms of uniforms, use of toilets, participation in sports and extra-curricular activities, bullying and harassment for simply choosing to express themselves as opposed to social norms, are some of the glaring concerns raised by transgender persons when it comes to barrier in their education,” it added.

    The panel has suggested that educators could identify the spaces and scope of integrating gender, especially transgender concerns, in their pedagogy and textbook content wherever they feel the gap in the existing textbooks.

    “Such practices should be shared with fellow teachers (subject or stage-specific) to collectively evolve best practices which are context specific. Issues of masculinity, equality and empowerment must be addressed through a careful choice of themes in our textbooks as well as through other pedagogies such as role play, debates, creative writing, development of short films, etc.

    “If students are noticed to be gender non-conforming or emerge as transgender at this stage, help them to form healthy, supportive alliances with peers and generate gender-sensitive school environment so that such a student feels supported. Health educators should be gender sensitive and use gender-inclusive practices while educating on puberty, sex education and health education,” the manual read.

    Noting that due to society’s marked intolerance of gender nonconformity, those who do not conform to gender norms are more likely to suffer from violence as compared to other gender-conforming students from an early age, the panel said it could be inflicted upon them within different contexts through various social interactions.

    “These interactions could be with family members, school peers or society at large. It might include experiences of rejection within the process of seeking identification of their gender identity or asking to be called by the name they selected for affirming their gender identity. These are everyday yet profound events of experiencing violence by transgender persons. It needs to be noted that ‘homophobic and transphobic’ violence is also associated with poorer than average physical and mental health. The adverse effects on young people’s mental and psychological health include: increased risk of anxiety, fear, stress, loss of confidence, low self-esteem, loneliness, self-harm, depression and suicide,” it said.

    Elaborating on the need for a “transgender inclusive” environment in schools, the manual has noted that the behaviours and expressions exist within the gender binary, they are seen as “normal” and are treated as acceptable.

    “In the case of children who do not conform to such binary roles, expressions, behaviour, which typically associate with their assigned-sex and thereby gender; they are made to feel as ‘abnormal’.

    Further, these expressions, behaviours, mannerisms, etc., draw unwarranted attention from others since they are not seen as ‘normal’ and lead to bullying or harassment, which makes it all the more difficult for transgender children to continue their education.

    “This affects the childhood and adolescence of many transgender children due to incidences at school, since these cases mostly go unreported due to the stigma attached. It often leads to discontinuation of their formal education or a drastic decline in their academic performances,” it said.

    The panel has also stressed that while introducing transgender-inclusive curriculum, it is best to do so collectively as a school community, led by the administrative and school leaders.

    It is also recommended that the decisions in this regard be communicated through gender-specific professional development for educators and community members at the start of each academic year.

    A previous manual titled “Inclusion of Transgender Children in School Education: Concerns and Roadmap” was taken off following concerns raised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

    While the previous report dealt extensively with the needs of all categories of gender non-conforming children, the latest one states that though there is a recognition of people with diverse sexualities and sexual orientations, including LGBTQ communities, “the present module is specifically focusing upon transgender persons by birth.”

    NEW DELHI: Gender-neutral uniforms in schools, transgender-inclusive curriculum, safe washroom facilities and measures to prevent gender-based violence are among the recommendations made by a new NCERT manual for smoothly integrating the third gender in formal schooling process.

    The draft manual, titled “Integrating Transgender Concerns in Schooling Processes”, has been prepared by a new 16-member committee convened by NCERT’s Department of Gender Studies head Jyotsna Tiwari.

    “Some of the students, specially from Grade VI onward, have a preference for clothes, particularly school uniform. They do not feel comfortable in a particular dress. Schools can introduce gender-neutral uniforms which are comfortable, climate appropriate, fit and do not conform to a particular gender,” it said.

    The panel has noted that these uniforms might be designed by design institutes.

    “Many schools have introduced pants and shirts that can suit any gender and they are comfortable for all school activities. Reinforcement of gender binaries in school structures, in terms of uniforms, use of toilets, participation in sports and extra-curricular activities, bullying and harassment for simply choosing to express themselves as opposed to social norms, are some of the glaring concerns raised by transgender persons when it comes to barrier in their education,” it added.

    The panel has suggested that educators could identify the spaces and scope of integrating gender, especially transgender concerns, in their pedagogy and textbook content wherever they feel the gap in the existing textbooks.

    “Such practices should be shared with fellow teachers (subject or stage-specific) to collectively evolve best practices which are context specific. Issues of masculinity, equality and empowerment must be addressed through a careful choice of themes in our textbooks as well as through other pedagogies such as role play, debates, creative writing, development of short films, etc.

    “If students are noticed to be gender non-conforming or emerge as transgender at this stage, help them to form healthy, supportive alliances with peers and generate gender-sensitive school environment so that such a student feels supported. Health educators should be gender sensitive and use gender-inclusive practices while educating on puberty, sex education and health education,” the manual read.

    Noting that due to society’s marked intolerance of gender nonconformity, those who do not conform to gender norms are more likely to suffer from violence as compared to other gender-conforming students from an early age, the panel said it could be inflicted upon them within different contexts through various social interactions.

    “These interactions could be with family members, school peers or society at large. It might include experiences of rejection within the process of seeking identification of their gender identity or asking to be called by the name they selected for affirming their gender identity. These are everyday yet profound events of experiencing violence by transgender persons. It needs to be noted that ‘homophobic and transphobic’ violence is also associated with poorer than average physical and mental health. The adverse effects on young people’s mental and psychological health include: increased risk of anxiety, fear, stress, loss of confidence, low self-esteem, loneliness, self-harm, depression and suicide,” it said.

    Elaborating on the need for a “transgender inclusive” environment in schools, the manual has noted that the behaviours and expressions exist within the gender binary, they are seen as “normal” and are treated as acceptable.

    “In the case of children who do not conform to such binary roles, expressions, behaviour, which typically associate with their assigned-sex and thereby gender; they are made to feel as ‘abnormal’.

    Further, these expressions, behaviours, mannerisms, etc., draw unwarranted attention from others since they are not seen as ‘normal’ and lead to bullying or harassment, which makes it all the more difficult for transgender children to continue their education.

    “This affects the childhood and adolescence of many transgender children due to incidences at school, since these cases mostly go unreported due to the stigma attached. It often leads to discontinuation of their formal education or a drastic decline in their academic performances,” it said.

    The panel has also stressed that while introducing transgender-inclusive curriculum, it is best to do so collectively as a school community, led by the administrative and school leaders.

    It is also recommended that the decisions in this regard be communicated through gender-specific professional development for educators and community members at the start of each academic year.

    A previous manual titled “Inclusion of Transgender Children in School Education: Concerns and Roadmap” was taken off following concerns raised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

    While the previous report dealt extensively with the needs of all categories of gender non-conforming children, the latest one states that though there is a recognition of people with diverse sexualities and sexual orientations, including LGBTQ communities, “the present module is specifically focusing upon transgender persons by birth.”

  • NCERT to bring balanced perspective of all genders in new curriculum, textbooks: Parliamentary panel

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The NCERT will work towards bringing a balanced perspective of all genders in the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and in its textbooks, according to a parliamentary committee.

    The panel had earlier recommended that to address the under-representation of women and girls in school textbooks or them being depicted only in traditional roles, a thorough analysis from the viewpoint of gender bias and stereotypes should be undertaken by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

    It also said efforts should be made to make content portrayal and visual depiction gender inclusive.

    On Monday, the report of the Reforms in Content and Design of School Text Books Committee on the action taken by the government on its recommendations and observations was tabled in Parliament.

    “The committee has been informed that the NCERT has taken note of all the issues raised by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports and will contribute adequately to bringing in a balanced perspective of all the gender in the NCF, syllabus and all the textbooks which will be developed as a follow-up of NCFs. The process of development of NCFs has already been initiated by the NCERT,” it said.

    Earlier, the panel had also recommended that textbooks should have a greater portrayal of women in new and emerging professions as role models with a focus on their contributions and pathway of achieving the same.

    This will help in instilling self-esteem and self-confidence among all, particularly girls, it had said.

    “While examining the textbooks, other issues like environment sensitivity, human values, issues of children with special needs etc. can also be looked up for adequate inclusion in the School textbooks,” the panel had said.

    NEW DELHI: The NCERT will work towards bringing a balanced perspective of all genders in the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and in its textbooks, according to a parliamentary committee.

    The panel had earlier recommended that to address the under-representation of women and girls in school textbooks or them being depicted only in traditional roles, a thorough analysis from the viewpoint of gender bias and stereotypes should be undertaken by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

    It also said efforts should be made to make content portrayal and visual depiction gender inclusive.

    On Monday, the report of the Reforms in Content and Design of School Text Books Committee on the action taken by the government on its recommendations and observations was tabled in Parliament.

    “The committee has been informed that the NCERT has taken note of all the issues raised by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports and will contribute adequately to bringing in a balanced perspective of all the gender in the NCF, syllabus and all the textbooks which will be developed as a follow-up of NCFs. The process of development of NCFs has already been initiated by the NCERT,” it said.

    Earlier, the panel had also recommended that textbooks should have a greater portrayal of women in new and emerging professions as role models with a focus on their contributions and pathway of achieving the same.

    This will help in instilling self-esteem and self-confidence among all, particularly girls, it had said.

    “While examining the textbooks, other issues like environment sensitivity, human values, issues of children with special needs etc. can also be looked up for adequate inclusion in the School textbooks,” the panel had said.

  • Diversity of religious teachings should be highlighted in school textbooks: Parl panel

    The committee stressed that local heroes, both men and women, who have been ignored over the years, should be highlighted with their contributions to the country's history and unity.

  • NCERT asks schools to set up mental health advisory panel

    Express News Service

    BENGALURU: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has directed schools to ensure students’ mental wellbeing. The directive comes in the wake of a national survey undertaken by the NCERT, in which students flagged schoolwork, examinations as well as the wait for results as some of major causes of anxiety.

    The survey also found that students faced difficulty in online schooling and experienced mood swings, a lack of concentration and peer pressure. Based on the findings, the NCERT released guidelines in a report titled Early identification and intervention for mental health problems in school-going children and adolescents.

    “Schools are generally seen as spaces where students can grow in a safe and secure environment… It is the school’s responsibility to ensure the safety, security, health and well-being of all children in schools and hostels,” the guidelines read.

    NCERT has asked schools to set up a mental health advisory panel to counsel students. School have also been asked to ensure proper awareness about mental health issues, including introducing mental health programmes that are gender- and age-appropriate.

    However, the setting up of a mental health advisory panel in each school recommended on earlier occasions too have failed to achieve the desired results. “While guidelines can be issued, they must be followed by adopting proper policies and arranging funds,” said R Vishal, Karnataka Commissioner for Public Instruction.

    “School curriculum has been framed in order to ensure mental wellbeing of students, including play learning and Nali Kali methods of learning. However, in terms of addressing mental disorders, schools are ill-equipped. Very few major private schools have school counsellors,” the official told this newspaper.

    BENGALURU: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has directed schools to ensure students’ mental wellbeing. The directive comes in the wake of a national survey undertaken by the NCERT, in which students flagged schoolwork, examinations as well as the wait for results as some of major causes of anxiety.

    The survey also found that students faced difficulty in online schooling and experienced mood swings, a lack of concentration and peer pressure. Based on the findings, the NCERT released guidelines in a report titled Early identification and intervention for mental health problems in school-going children and adolescents.

    “Schools are generally seen as spaces where students can grow in a safe and secure environment… It is the school’s responsibility to ensure the safety, security, health and well-being of all children in schools and hostels,” the guidelines read.

    NCERT has asked schools to set up a mental health advisory panel to counsel students. School have also been asked to ensure proper awareness about mental health issues, including introducing mental health programmes that are gender- and age-appropriate.

    However, the setting up of a mental health advisory panel in each school recommended on earlier occasions too have failed to achieve the desired results. “While guidelines can be issued, they must be followed by adopting proper policies and arranging funds,” said R Vishal, Karnataka Commissioner for Public Instruction.

    “School curriculum has been framed in order to ensure mental wellbeing of students, including play learning and Nali Kali methods of learning. However, in terms of addressing mental disorders, schools are ill-equipped. Very few major private schools have school counsellors,” the official told this newspaper.