According to reports, these revisions primarily affect the Political Science textbooks for Classes XI and XII, among others. The NCERT has clarified that these changes are adjustments and not part of the development of new books under the New Curriculum Framework (NCF). However, officials have refrained from commenting on the omitted topics.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has stirred controversy with recent changes to its textbooks, including the removal of references to key historical events and political ideologies. The alterations reportedly involve eliminating mentions of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, the Gujarat riots, and Hindutva, as well as adjustments to the depiction of Manipur's integration with India.
According to reports, these revisions primarily affect the Political Science textbooks for Classes XI and XII, among others. The NCERT has clarified that these changes are adjustments and not part of the development of new books under the New Curriculum Framework (NCF). However, officials have refrained from commenting on the omitted topics.
One particular change involves removing references to the "Ayodhya demolition" in chapter 8, Recent Developments in Indian Politics. Instead, the focus shifts to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Similarly, references to the Babri Masjid and Hindutva politics have been omitted, replaced with a revised narrative highlighting the legal and political dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
In chapter 8 on Secularism in the Class XI textbook, references to the Gujarat riots have been modified to remove mention of the victims' religious affiliation. The NCERT has stated that in any riots, people across communities suffer, emphasizing inclusivity. Other changes include adjustments to references on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to align with the Indian government's stance and modifications to the portrayal of Manipur's integration with India. Additionally, a reference to the Gujarat riots in chapter 5, titled Democratic Rights, has been replaced with a broader mention of human rights violations.
Critics have raised concerns about the implications of these revisions on students' understanding of India's socio-political landscape. The changes have sparked debates about historical accuracy and the promotion of a balanced and inclusive curriculum in educational materials.