Impact of omitting several critical events from NCERT textbooks

Source: The post impact of omitting several critical events from NCERT textbooks has been created, based on the article “Erasures in NCERT textbooks go against NEP’s mandate to enhance critical thinking” published in “Indian express” on 18th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article criticizes the NCERT for omitting references to significant historical events like the Gujarat riots and Babri Masjid demolition from textbooks. It argues that these omissions hinder critical thinking and create a sanitized view of history, depriving students of comprehensive education. Impact of omitting several critical events from NCERT textbooks

For detailed information on Changes to the NCERT syllabus and associated issues read this article here

What has been omitted from NCERT textbooks?

The NCERT textbooks have omitted several critical events and details, which include:

Gujarat Riots: These significant communal disturbances are not mentioned.

Babri Masjid Demolition: Referred to only as a “three-domed structure,” without explicit details.

BJP’s Rath Yatra: This influential political event is not included.

Role of Kar Sevaks: Their involvement in communal violence post-demolition is omitted.

Presidential Rule in BJP-Ruled States: The textbook no longer discusses the imposition of President’s rule post December 6, 1992.

BJP’s Regret Over Ayodhya: Earlier acknowledgments of regret by the BJP have been removed.

What is the justification given for these omissions?

1. Selective Mention: The NCERT Director, DP Saklani, mentioned that an expert committee decided it is not appropriate to selectively mention a few riots because it could lead to biased historical narration.
2. Creating Positive Citizens: Saklani argued that teaching about riots might produce violent and depressed individuals rather than positive citizens. This perspective is aimed at fostering a more positive societal outlook among students.

What is the impact of these omissions?

1. Hinders Critical Thinking: Omitting significant events like the Gujarat riots and Babri Masjid demolition prevents students from developing critical thinking skills.
2. Sanitized History: Presenting a sanitized version of history avoids discussing faultlines and key events in India’s journey, like the BJP’s rath yatra and kar sevaks’ role.
3. Loss of Comprehensive Education: Deleting sections on Scheduled Castes and Tribes’ poverty, Gandhi’s assassination, the Emergency, and protest movements leads to an incomplete understanding of historical and social contexts.

Question for practice:

Examine how the omission of significant historical events from NCERT textbooks impacts students’ understanding of Indian history and societal issues.