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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has said that newly developed school textbooks are undergoing extensive review to avoid any potential controversies or “explosive” reactions. The move comes amid ongoing debates over curriculum changes and recent issues surrounding textbook content.
NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani stated that additional caution is being exercised before releasing the new Class 9 textbooks for the current academic session. He indicated that while most books are expected to be released soon, some may be delayed due to the detailed review process.
Why NCERT Is Reviewing Textbooks Carefully
NCERT has acknowledged that certain subjects in school textbooks can trigger strong public and institutional reactions. To address this, the council is conducting multiple levels of scrutiny to ensure that the content is accurate, balanced, and sensitive.
Officials noted that textbooks are being reviewed “as much as possible” to minimise the risk of backlash. Some books are undergoing higher scrutiny due to their subject matter, which could lead to delays in their release timeline.
Background: Recent Textbook Controversy
The cautious approach follows a recent controversy involving an NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook. The book was withdrawn shortly after publication due to objections over a chapter on “corruption in the judiciary.” The Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of the issue and ordered a complete ban on the book’s publication and circulation.
This incident prompted NCERT to strengthen its review process and ensure that similar situations are avoided in future textbook releases.
Expert Panel Formed for Content Review
To further enhance the credibility of the review process, NCERT has constituted an expert panel comprising eminent legal professionals. The panel includes former Attorney General K. K. Venugopal and former Supreme Court judges Indu Malhotra and Aniruddha Bose.
The panel will examine sensitive or potentially contentious content before final publication, ensuring that the textbooks meet both academic and legal standards.
Release Timeline and What Students Should Expect
Most Class 9 textbooks are expected to be released between April 10 and 15. However, NCERT has indicated that a few books may be released later due to extended scrutiny.
The council emphasised that such “teething troubles” are common when introducing new curriculum frameworks. The new textbooks are being developed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023, with inputs from thousands of experts and academicians.
NCERT’s decision to intensify the review of new textbooks reflects a cautious yet necessary approach in the current academic environment. While some delays may occur, the focus remains on ensuring that students receive accurate, balanced, and well-vetted educational content. The move is aimed at maintaining the credibility of the education system while avoiding unnecessary controversies.
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