New Delhi, March 10:
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an “unconditional and unqualified apology” following a major controversy surrounding its Class 8 Social Science textbook. The move comes after the Supreme Court of India imposed a total blanket ban on the publication, citing “inappropriate content” regarding the Indian judiciary.
The textbook in question, titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” (Part II), has been completely withdrawn from circulation and digital platforms.
The Root of the Controversy: Chapter IV
The backlash centers on Chapter IV, titled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society,” which included a sub-chapter specifically addressing “Corruption in the judiciary.” The Supreme Court took a stern view of the content, leading to a landmark order on February 26. The Court’s directive was unequivocal:
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Total Ban: A complete prohibition on further printing or digital dissemination.
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Anti-Circumvention: Any attempt to republish the content under different titles or via electronic media will be treated as “willful breach and defiance” of the court.
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Accountability: The NCERT has been ordered to submit full records of the committees that approved the material, including the credentials of the development team.
Official Statement from NCERT
In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), the Director and Members of NCERT expressed deep regret over the oversight:
“The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available. NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility.”
Recall and “Delete” Advisory
In an unusual and urgent media advisory, NCERT has requested that any individual, school, or organization in possession of the physical book return it to their New Delhi headquarters immediately.
Action Required for Public & Schools:
- Physical Copies: Return to the Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS), New Delhi.
- Digital Content: Delete any shared PDFs or screenshots of Chapter IV from social media.
- Compliance: Failure to comply may be seen as interference with Supreme Court directions.
The Path Ahead
This incident marks one of the most significant legal interventions in Indian school curriculum history. As NCERT scrambles to review its internal vetting processes, the Supreme Court continues to scrutinize the “Teaching-Learning Materials Committee” to determine how such content was cleared for the national curriculum.
