NCERT Syllabus Update: The latest edition of the Class 12 political science textbook by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has omitted mentions related to the Babri Masjid, Hindutva politics, the 2002 Gujarat riots, and minority issues. These changes are part of a trend where textbooks are being updated to address sensitive topics differently.
On Thursday, the organization announced the updates on its website. NCERT Syllabus updates affect the textbooks used in schools that follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. CBSE oversees around 30,000 schools across India.
NCERT Syllabus Update
The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made changes to the Class 12 political science syllabus for the academic session starting in 2024-25. Some topics like Hindutva politics, the 2002 Gujarat riots, minority issues, and the Babri Masjid have been removed. However, these topics may still be covered elsewhere in the textbook.
These changes were announced on the NCERT’s official website on April 4. The NCERT stated that the updates were made to reflect recent political developments. Around 30,000 schools in India follow the NCERT textbooks under the Central Board of Secondary Education.
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Top 5 Updates in NCERT Syllabus
Here are the top 5 changes made to the NCERT syllabus in the new books:
- Changes in Indian Politics Chapter:
In chapter 8, references to the “Ayodhya demolition” were removed. Also, a section focusing on the “Ram Janambhoomi movement and the Ayodhya demolition” was revised to concentrate solely on the “Ram Janmabhoomi movement.” The mention of Babri Masjid and Hindutva politics was omitted.
Previously, the paragraph mentioned the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, signifying shifts in Indian politics and nationalism due to the rise of BJP and Hindutva ideology. Now, it emphasizes the long-standing legal dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and its impact on Indian politics, especially after the construction of the Ram Temple following a Supreme Court decision. - Changes in “Democratic Rights” Chapter:
References to the Gujarat riots were removed from the chapter. The revised content highlights growing awareness of human rights issues across India without specific mention of the NHRC or any particular incidents like the Gujarat riots. - Alterations in Mention of Muslim Community:
References to the Muslim community’s marginalization were revised to reflect their comparatively lower socio-economic status. The updated version avoids framing them solely as marginalized and focuses on their socio-economic development. - Revisions in “Secularism” Chapter:
The sentence regarding the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat was modified to remove the emphasis on the religious identity of the victims, thus providing a more neutral description of the event. - Inclusion of References to China:
References to military conflict over a border dispute with China were updated to emphasize Chinese aggression on the Indian border, altering the tone of the sentence.
NCERT Syllabus Update FAQs
Q.1. Why were references to Babri Masjid and Gujarat riots removed from, NCERT Syllabus?
Ans. References were removed to address sensitive topics differently, reflecting recent political developments and ensuring balanced representation in the syllabus.
Q.2. How will these changes affect students studying CBSE curriculum?
Ans. Students will encounter revised content that offers a different perspective on historical events and societal issues, promoting a nuanced understanding.
Q.3. Are these topics completely eliminated from the textbooks?
Ans. While specific references were removed, related topics may still be covered elsewhere in the textbooks, providing a comprehensive view of the subject matter.
Q.4. What prompted NCERT to make these updates?
Ans. The updates were prompted by the need to reflect recent political developments and ensure that the syllabus remains relevant and sensitive to societal changes.
Q.5. Where can I find more information about the revised syllabus and its implications?
Ans. More information can be found on the NCERT’s official website and through educational resources that discuss the updates and their implications for students and educators.
