NCERT has constituted a 20-member expert committee to rewrite Political Science textbooks for classes 11 and 12, amid reports of ideological links among some members.

  • NCERT has appointed a 20-member panel to redesign Political Science books for grades 11 and 12.
  • Reports suggest four members of the new team have affiliations with the RSS.
  • The objective is to create a comprehensive and updated curriculum for senior secondary students.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has initiated a significant overhaul of the senior secondary curriculum. A specialized 20-member team has been assembled to draft new Political Science textbooks for students in classes 11 and 12. This move is being closely watched by educators and political analysts alike.

According to various news reports, the composition of this expert group has drawn scrutiny, with allegations that four of the selected professors have connections to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This development comes at a time when the discourse surrounding the 'Indianization' of textbooks and the inclusion of nationalist perspectives in the national curriculum is gaining momentum.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the subject of Political Science is uniquely positioned at the intersection of academia and ideology. The textbooks used in schools do more than just teach facts; they shape the political consciousness of future citizens. Any shift in the composition of the drafting committee can lead to significant changes in how concepts like democracy, secularism, and statehood are presented to the youth.

The curriculum of a nation is the blueprint of its future societal values and political understanding.

The new mandate for the team involves a deep dive into existing modules to identify gaps and integrate contemporary global and regional political developments. The goal is to provide a curriculum that is both academically rigorous and relevant to the current geopolitical landscape of India.

Historically, textbook revisions in India have often been a flashpoint for political debate. Since the inception of NCERT, various administrations have sought to align educational content with their respective national visions. This current restructuring is being viewed by many as a continuation of the effort to emphasize indigenous perspectives and Indian political thought.

Did You Know?: NCERT textbooks are the primary reference for major competitive exams in India, including the UPSC, making their content highly influential.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the new NCERT team?
The team aims to redesign and rewrite the Political Science textbooks for classes 11 and 12 to ensure they are modern, comprehensive, and pedagogically sound.

2. Why is the RSS connection being discussed?
The discussion arises because several reports claim that members with ideological ties to the RSS are part of the committee, leading to debates regarding potential ideological shifts in the curriculum.