NCERT textbook row: SC asks Centre to review curriculum, bars social science panel chief and two members from textbook work

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it has directed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to review textbooks of all classes following the controversy over a Class 8 social science book that contained “offending” references to corruption in the judiciary.

The development came during the hearing of a suo motu case taken up by the apex court regarding the controversial chapter. A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi said it would have preferred the Centre to constitute an independent expert committee rather than asking NCERT itself to undertake the review.




According to timesofindia.com, the court was hearing the matter after taking suo motu cognisance of the contents of the Class 8 textbook, which it said portrayed the judiciary in a negative light.

Review of All Textbooks Ordered

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Bench that the government has already asked NCERT to review textbooks across all classes, not just the Class 8 book that triggered the controversy.

“We have started systemic changes. Nothing will be published without being vetted by domain experts,” Mehta told the Bench, timesofindia.com reported.

He also assured the court that a panel of experts would be constituted to examine the curriculum and ensure accuracy.

Mehta further informed the court that the NCERT Director has filed an affidavit tendering an “unconditional and unqualified apology” over the contents of the disputed chapter, according to timesofindia.com.



Supreme Court Suggests Expert Committee

While taking note of the Centre’s submission, the Bench observed that a broader and more independent review mechanism may be required.

Instead of asking NCERT to conduct the exercise internally, the court said it would have appreciated if the Centre had set up an expert committee to review the school curriculum in a comprehensive manner.

“Instead of asking the NCERT to do so, it would have appreciated if the Centre constituted an expert committee to review the curriculum,” the Bench observed, timesofindia.com reported.

Ban on Textbook and Seizure of Copies

Earlier, on February 26, the Supreme Court imposed a “complete blanket ban” on any further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the Class 8 social science textbook.

The court had observed that the content amounted to a “gunshot” against the institution of the judiciary.

“They have fired a gunshot and the judiciary is bleeding,” the Bench remarked while ordering the ban, timesofindia.com reported.

The court also directed authorities to immediately seize and remove all copies of the book from schools, retail outlets and other places where it may be available, both in physical and digital formats.

Academics Barred From Curriculum Work

In a significant direction on Wednesday, the Bench ordered that Professor Michel Danino, chairperson of the NCERT social science curriculum committee, along with two associate members — Ms Diwakar and Mr Alok Prasanna Kumar — be disassociated from any role in preparing or finalising school curriculum and textbooks.

“At the outset we have no reason to doubt that Professor Michel Danino along with Ms Diwakar and Mr Alok Prasanna Kumar either does not have reasonable knowledge about the Indian judiciary or they deliberately misrepresented the facts to project a negative image before students of Class 8,” the court said, timesofindia.com reported.

“There is no reason why such persons be associated in any manner with preparation of curriculum or finalisation of textbooks for the next generation,” the Bench added.

The court directed the Union government, states and all institutions receiving public funds to ensure the three academics are not engaged in curriculum work funded by public money, timesofindia.com reported.Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!