The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an apology and withdrawn a recently released Class 8 social science textbook after controversy erupted over a chapter discussing corruption in the judiciary. The decision followed criticism and judicial scrutiny regarding the content of the chapter. Officials stated that the institution regrets the inclusion of the controversial material and has taken immediate corrective action by halting distribution of the book.
What Triggered the NCERT Textbook Controversy?
The controversy emerged over a chapter titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society”, which discussed challenges faced by the judicial system, including corruption and case backlogs. The section highlighted several issues affecting the judiciary system. Key issues mentioned in the chapter included:
- Allegations of corruption in the judiciary
- Large number of pending court cases
- Shortage of judges
- Limited access to justice for marginalised communities
Critics argued that presenting such content to Class 8 students could create a negative perception about the judiciary. The issue sparked debate among legal experts, educators, and policymakers
Supreme Court Intervention in the Textbook Row
The matter drew attention in the Supreme Court, where concerns were raised regarding how the judiciary was portrayed in the textbook. According to reports, the court took suo motu cognisance of the issue and questioned the inclusion of references that could potentially undermine public trust in judicial institutions. During the proceedings, the court emphasised the importance of maintaining balanced and responsible academic content, particularly in school textbooks that shape students’ understanding of democratic institutions.
NCERT’s Response and Corrective Measures
Following the controversy, NCERT announced several immediate steps to address the issue. The organisation confirmed the following actions:
- Issuance of an official apology
- Withdrawal of the disputed Class 8 textbook
- Suspension of printing and distribution
- Review of the chapter content
NCERT said the decision was taken to ensure that educational materials remain accurate, balanced, and suitable for school students.
Textbook Revision Planned for Future Academic Sessions
Education authorities indicated that the chapter would be reviewed and revised before being included in future editions of the textbook. The revision process may involve:
- Academic experts
- Curriculum development committees
- Subject specialists in political science and civics
The aim is to ensure that the final content explains the functioning of democratic institutions while maintaining academic neutrality and clarity for students.