NCERT introduces the Emergency chapter in the Class 9 textbook for the first time

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a dedicated section on the 1975–77 Emergency in its newly developed Class 9 Social Science textbook, describing it as one of the most significant challenges to Indian democracy.

Focus on democratic values: The chapter discusses the suspension of Fundamental Rights, press censorship, arrests of political leaders, and the strain placed on democratic institutions during the Emergency period.

Broader civic education: The revised textbook also addresses contemporary challenges such as fake news, misinformation, poverty, regionalism, gender inequality, and social discrimination, while emphasising citizen participation in democracy.

In a significant revision to school education content, NCERT has included a chapter on the 1975–77 Emergency in the new Class 9 Social Science textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond. According to NCERT officials, this is the first time the Emergency has been formally introduced at the Class 9 level.

The chapter presents the Emergency as a major test for Indian democracy. It explains that growing public dissatisfaction with the government in the early 1970s, rising inflation, unemployment, and allegations of misgovernance led to widespread protests across the country.

The textbook states that in June 1975, a National Emergency was declared under Article 352 of the Constitution on the grounds of internal disturbance. During this period, several Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press faced censorship, and many political leaders and activists were detained. The text describes the period as one during which democratic institutions came under severe pressure and citizens' freedoms were significantly restricted.

The role of Jayaprakash Narayan is highlighted

The revised textbook also discusses the role of Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as Lok Nayak, in leading mass movements against the Emergency. It notes that students and citizens, particularly in Bihar and Gujarat, participated in large-scale protests demanding democratic reforms.

The chapter explains that the Emergency was lifted in 1977, followed by general elections in which voters expressed their democratic choice through the ballot box. The defeat of the ruling government is presented as an example of the resilience and strength of Indian democracy.

New section connects democracy to students' lives

A new feature titled "Democracy and You" has been introduced to help students connect classroom learning with their role as active citizens. The section encourages young learners to understand democratic participation, civic responsibilities, and public engagement.

Coverage of modern democratic challenges

Beyond the Emergency, the textbook examines several contemporary challenges facing democratic societies, including:

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

The book also describes the media as the "fourth pillar of democracy”, emphasizing its role in safeguarding democratic values and amplifying public concerns.

Spotlight on grassroots democracy and women's participation

To demonstrate democratic participation at the local level, the textbook includes case studies of panchayats in Gujarat and Tripura. It also features a dedicated section on women's voting rights and reservations in local governance institutions.

Additionally, updated statistics on voter participation, polling infrastructure, and political representation have been included to illustrate the scale and functioning of India's democratic system.

The inclusion of the Emergency chapter comes as India marks 50 years since the declaration of the Emergency, reflecting NCERT's effort to provide students with a broader understanding of democratic institutions, constitutional values, and historical challenges faced by the nation.