Controversies Emerge Over NCERT Textbooks in India

Two Major Controversies Surrounding NCERT Textbooks

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is currently facing two significant controversies regarding its textbooks. On one hand, there is an uproar over a manipulated version of the 'Emergency Chapter' included in the Class 9 Social Science textbook that has been circulating online. On the other hand, in Karnataka, educators and social organizations are protesting against what they claim is the 'saffronization' of the curriculum through the Class 6 Kannada textbook.

NCERT's Response to the Emergency Chapter Controversy

Reports indicate that the 'Emergency Chapter' is part of the Class 9 Social Science textbook. NCERT has acknowledged the unauthorized distribution of pirated copies in both print and digital formats. A post on X stated, "NCERT has observed the spread of unauthorized and pirated versions of its textbooks. A fake version of the Class 9 Social Science Part 1 book, 'Understanding Society: India and Beyond,' is being shared across social media, websites, and messaging groups."

Legal Action and Warnings from NCERT

NCERT has warned that legal action will be taken against those responsible for this unauthorized distribution. They have advised students and teachers to obtain NCERT textbooks only from official sources such as the NCERT website (ncert.nic.in), ePathshala, and authorized vendors.

Clarification on Textbook Distribution

According to NCERT, textbooks are published and printed solely through the council's official channels. Any distribution of textbooks in any form before an official release is prohibited. Content disseminated from unofficial sources may be incorrect, incomplete, altered, or entirely fabricated, and should not be trusted by students, teachers, or parents.

Legal Implications of Unauthorized Distribution

NCERT emphasized that such unauthorized dissemination is illegal and constitutes a punishable offense under the Copyright Act of 1957 and other applicable laws.

Details of the Emergency Chapter

The textbook discusses a significant challenge to democracy in India during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. It notes that public discontent was rising against the government led by Indira Gandhi in the early 1970s. The chapter states, "In June 1975, the government declared a national emergency based on internal unrest. During this time, most fundamental rights were suspended, censorship was imposed on the press, and many political leaders and activists were arrested."

Concerns Over Karnataka's Kannada Textbook

In Karnataka, a group advocating for educational rights has accused NCERT of attempting to saffronize the curriculum through its new Class 6 Kannada textbook. They argue that the textbook places undue emphasis on religious themes while neglecting the cultural identity and diverse culinary traditions of Karnataka. The 'People's Alliance for Fundamental Rights to Education' (PAFRE) stated that the textbook named 'Krishna' reflects a broader trend of incorporating mythology and religious topics into school education as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. PAFRE's chief coordinator, Niranjanaraadhya V.P., claimed, "This is nothing but an attempt to saffronize the curriculum."

Criticism of the Textbook's Title

PAFRE also questioned the rationale behind naming the textbook 'Krishna,' arguing that it overlooks Karnataka's rich cultural and literary heritage. According to reports, the group highlighted that Karnataka's identity is rooted in the contributions of great poets and social reformers like Adikavi Pampa, Kuvempu, Kota Shivaram Karanth, and Basavanna, yet NCERT chose the name 'Krishna.'

Social Media Awareness

𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬

NCERT has noticed the circulation of unauthorized and pirated copies of its textbooks in print and digital formats. A fake version of the 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐗 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏… pic.twitter.com/Ep3FfOmO8M

— NCERT (@ncert) June 24, 2026