1 week ago
NSUI Challenges NCERT Political Science Panel Over Alleged RSS Links
NCERT is making new political science books for students in Classes 11 and 12.
NSUI says some members of the book-writing team have connections to the RSS or ABVP.
NSUI worries these connections could affect how topics such as democracy, secularism and fundamental rights are explained.
It says textbooks should include different viewpoints and remain academically independent.
The team is led by Sandeep Shastri and includes academics from several institutions.
NCERT says the books will include cultural rootedness, Indian Knowledge Systems and inclusion.
The Class 11 book is expected by November, and the Class 12 book by July next year.
NSUI wants the team replaced and the draft books checked independently and discussed publicly.
NSUI criticised NCERT’s reconstituted team preparing Class 11 and 12 political science textbooks.
The organisation alleged that several members have links to the RSS-affiliated ecosystem, including ABVP associations.
NCERT says the team will address cultural rootedness, Indian Knowledge Systems and inclusion.
The Class 11 textbook is due by November, while the Class 12 textbook is due by July next year.
NSUI demanded a new team, public disclosure of members’ qualifications and independent review of draft textbooks.
- Who
- The National Students’ Union of India criticised an NCERT textbook team led by Sandeep Shastri; NCERT reconstituted the team.
- What
- The dispute concerns alleged RSS-affiliated links among some members of the team developing political science textbooks for Classes 11 and 12.
- Where
- The report was datelined New Delhi; the team includes academics from institutions including Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, National Law University and IGNOU.
- When
- The report was dated August 20; the Class 11 textbook is due by November and the Class 12 textbook by July next year.
- Why
- NSUI says the alleged affiliations could compromise academic neutrality and ideological diversity in textbooks covering constitutional and democratic subjects.
NSUI’s concerns
NCERT’s stated mandate
Academic neutrality
NSUI’s concerns
NSUI says members’ alleged links with the RSS-affiliated ecosystem and ABVP raise questions about ideological diversity and neutrality.
NCERT’s stated mandate
NCERT’s notification establishes a team of academics and educationists from several institutions; the articles do not include a direct NCERT response to NSUI’s allegations.
Curriculum direction
NSUI’s concerns
NSUI alleges that members’ affiliations could influence coverage of the Constitution, democracy, fundamental rights, secularism, federalism and social justice.
NCERT’s stated mandate
NCERT says the team will integrate cultural rootedness, Indian Knowledge Systems and inclusion and receive guidance from curricular groups on social sciences and other areas.
Review process
NSUI’s concerns
NSUI wants the team replaced with independent educationists, political science scholars, constitutional experts and experienced teachers, with independent review and public consultation of drafts.
NCERT’s stated mandate
The NCERT notification sets out the reconstituted team’s mandate and deadlines, but the articles do not say whether NCERT will adopt NSUI’s proposed review process.
Key facts
- Organisation raising concerns
- National Students’ Union of India (NSUI)
- Textbook authority
- National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
- Classes covered
- Classes 11 and 12 political science
- Team chair
- Sandeep Shastri, vice-president of Nitte
- Stated curricular themes
- Cultural rootedness, Indian Knowledge Systems and inclusion
- Deadlines
- Class 11 by November; Class 12 by July next year
- NSUI demands
- Dissolution and reconstitution of the team, disclosure of members’ qualifications and selection criteria, independent academic review and public consultation
Quotes
Vinod Jakhar
NSUI national president
“"Education must empower young Indians to question, reason, think critically and understand the Constitution, not turn them into followers of any ideology."”
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
“"NCERT is a national academic institution, not an extension of any political organisation."”
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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