How is it decided what will be written in NCERT books, who makes the final call?
The Supreme Court of India has criticized recent changes made by NCERT in an eighth-grade textbook for including content on corruption in the judiciary.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has come under scrutiny following changes to its eighth-grade curriculum, specifically the introduction of content addressing corruption within the judiciary. This decision has prompted the Supreme Court to take notice, with Chief Justice Suryakant expressing strong disapproval, likening the NCERT's actions to a severe attack on the judiciary. In response, the court has instructed NCERT to collaborate with central and state governments to ensure that all copies of the affected textbooks, both hard and soft copies, are removed from public access in retail outlets and schools.
In further proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government and NCERT, assured the court that the two individuals responsible for drafting the controversial chapter would not be associated with any ministry in the future. Mehta's statement came amid concerns about the credibility and accountability of educational content developed by NCERT, which is paramount for educational integrity and public trust in the curriculum.
The implications of this case extend beyond just the removal of certain content; they raise essential questions about the autonomy of educational bodies like NCERT and the extent of judicial oversight over educational content. The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for a careful evaluation of the curriculum and the influences that shape it, ensuring that such changes serve educational objectives without undermining institutional trust or national values.