The reconstitution of the NCERT committee for Class 11 and 12 political science textbooks has sparked political debate. Team head Sandeep Shastri promises a factual and unbiased approach.
- NCERT has formed a 20-member committee to revise Class 11 and 12 Political Science textbooks.
- Opposition parties have raised concerns regarding the political affiliations of certain members.
- TDT head Sandeep Shastri emphasized a commitment to factual and non-partisan content.
- The new syllabus will integrate Ancient Indian Political Thought and Indian Knowledge Systems.
New Delhi: The reconstitution of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) committee, responsible for developing Political Science textbooks for Classes 11 and 12, has ignited a significant political controversy. Critics and opposition parties have raised alarms over the reported political links of several members to RSS-affiliated organizations.
Addressing the concerns, Sandeep Shastri, head of the Textbook Development Team (TDT) and Vice President of Nitte University, assured that the committee would prioritize academic integrity. "We have been assigned to work on Class 11 and 12 political science textbooks. My mandate to myself is to work on a book that is factual and unbiased," Shastri stated in an interview.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the content of school textbooks serves as the foundational bedrock for national identity and civic understanding. Any perception of ideological bias in these materials can lead to long-term societal polarization. The controversy centers on members such as Yadunath Deshpande and Vandana Mishra, whose perceived links to the BJP or RSS have prompted calls for greater transparency in academic appointments.
"Our goal is to pivot from teaching students what to think, to teaching them how to think."
An anonymous committee member noted that during deliberations, members are expected to set aside their 'political hats.' The focus, according to the member, is to foster healthy debate and introduce a sense of contemporariness without erasing historical context.
Integration of Ancient Indian Thought
A major pillar of the revised curriculum, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will be the inclusion of Indian Knowledge Systems. Mr. Shastri highlighted that the textbooks will explore ancient democratic processes and foundational treatises, including Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Manu, and Shukraneetisara.
The committee aims to move away from rote memorization toward case-study-based learning. The timeline for completion is ambitious: Class 11 textbooks are expected by November 30, 2026, followed by Class 12 textbooks by July 30, 2027.
| Feature | Old Approach | New Proposed Approach (NEP 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Method | Rote Memorization | Case-study & Practice-oriented |
| Focus Area | Standard Political Theory | Integration of Indian Knowledge Systems |
| Cognitive Goal | What to think | How to think |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main cause of the controversy?
The controversy stems from allegations that some committee members have political affiliations with the RSS or BJP.
2. How will the new textbooks differ from current ones?
The new books will incorporate ancient Indian political thought and focus on critical thinking rather than rote learning.
