NCERT Introduces Emergency Chapter in Class 9 Textbook for the First Time, Calls 1975-77 Period a 'Major Challenge to Democracy'

In a significant revision to the NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has, for the first time, introduced a dedicated section on the Emergency (1975-77), describing it as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India." The new content appears in the recently developed textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond, as part of a chapter that examines both the strengths and challenges of Indian democracy.

The inclusion of the Emergency in the NCERT Class 9 textbook comes as India recently marked 50 years since the declaration of the Emergency in 1975, making it one of the most notable additions to the revised school curriculum.

NCERT Class 9 Textbook Describes Emergency as a Challenge to Democracy

According to NCERT, the Emergency has been included to help students understand a critical phase in India's democratic history.

The textbook states:"One of the major challenges to democracy in India was recorded when an Emergency was imposed in 1975-77. In the early 1970s, public dissatisfaction with the government led by Indira Gandhi was growing. Rising unemployment, inflation, and allegations of misgovernance led to widespread protests."

The chapter further explains that a National Emergency was declared in June 1975 on the grounds of "internal disturbance." It notes that during the Emergency:

• A majority of fundamental rights were suspended
• Press censorship was imposed
• Numerous political leaders and activists were arrested
• Democratic institutions came under severe strain
• Citizens' freedoms were restricted

Jayaprakash Narayan's Role Included in New NCERT Chapter

The NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook also highlights the role played by Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as Lok Nayak, in mobilising public protests against the Emergency.

According to the textbook:

"Mass movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan, a political leader and socialist thinker, popularly known as Lok Nayak, mobilised students and citizens, especially in Bihar and Gujarat."

The chapter adds that after the Emergency was lifted in 1977, general elections were held, allowing citizens to express their democratic choice through voting. It states that the defeat of the ruling government demonstrated the resilience of Indian democracy and reinforced the importance of democratic institutions.

Emergency Included Alongside Other Challenges to Democracy

The chapter places the Emergency within a broader discussion on issues affecting democratic governance. Apart from the Emergency, the textbook identifies several other challenges to democracy, including:

• Fake news and misinformation
• Damage to public property
• Violation of public rules
• Poverty
• Regionalism
• Social discrimination
• Gender inequality

NCERT has also introduced a new section titled "Democracy and You", which has been added for the first time to encourage students to understand their role as responsible citizens and participants in democratic processes.

Textbook Highlights India's Democratic Institutions

Alongside discussing democratic challenges, the revised NCERT Class 9 textbook places considerable emphasis on India's democratic traditions and constitutional institutions.

The book traces democratic practices in India to earlier historical periods and explains their relevance in contemporary governance.

A dedicated section also describes the media as the "fourth pillar of democracy", highlighting its role in raising public concerns and protecting democratic values.To illustrate the scale of India's electoral system, the textbook notes that the country had more than 96.8 crore registered voters in 2024 and highlights the extensive network of polling stations across the country.

The chapter further includes case studies on grassroots democracy, including examples of a panchayat in Gujarat and a women-friendly panchayat in Tripura, while also discussing women's voting rights and reservations in local self-government institutions.

BJP Welcomes NCERT's Decision

The inclusion of the Emergency chapter has also drawn political reactions. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed NCERT's decision, describing the Emergency as a "dark chapter" in India's constitutional history that should be remembered to ensure such events are never repeated.

The party also criticised the Congress over the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 and alleged that the opposition was objecting to NCERT's decision to include the chapter in the revised curriculum.

Significant Addition to NCERT Class 9 Curriculum

An NCERT official confirmed that this is the first time a dedicated section on the Emergency has been included in a Class 9 textbook. The inclusion marks a significant update to the NCERT Class 9 Social Science curriculum, reflecting one of the most debated periods in independent India's political history while introducing students to discussions on constitutional values, democratic institutions, and civic participation.