Supreme Court Bans NCERT Textbook Over Judicial Corruption Chapter: What You Need to Know
Controversy Surrounds NCERT Textbook
New Delhi: A chapter on 'judicial corruption' in a class VIII NCERT textbook has sparked significant controversy, leading the Supreme Court to impose a "complete blanket ban" on the publication, citing its "offensive" content.
To understand how NCERT textbooks are developed, here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Collaborative Effort
- Formation of Curricular Area Group (CAG)
- Textbook Development Committee (TDC)
- Comprehensive Review Process
- Approval Stages
- Consultation with Experts
- Incorporating Feedback
- Contributors to the Controversial Textbook
NCERT officials clarify that textbook creation is a collaborative process involving multiple experts rather than a single author.
A dedicated Curricular Area Group is established for each subject, tasked with identifying suitable experts to draft the textbook. The CAG evaluates which individuals possess the necessary experience and academic background to enhance the content for students.
Each CAG forms a Textbook Development Committee, which includes academicians, curriculum specialists, subject matter experts, and industry professionals.
The draft chapters created by the TDCs undergo a thorough internal review and consultation process before receiving approval. NCERT officials emphasize that the textbook development and review process is both academically rigorous and consultative.
After the multi-level review, the complete CAG and the National Syllabus and Teaching-Learning Material Committee (NSTC) provide their approval, ensuring the content is factually accurate and suitable for the intended age group.
While some industry experts are included in each TDC to offer insights on knowledge requirements, consulting government officials or authorities is not always mandatory but may occur when deemed necessary.
When substantial feedback or suggestions regarding textbook content are received, NCERT forms committees to review and assess the material. This practice indicates that textbook content is dynamic and subject to ongoing evaluation.
The now-banned NCERT textbook acknowledged over 60 contributors, although officials have not disclosed who was responsible for the specific controversial section.