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'Rationalisation Of NCERT Books Justified' Says UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar

In a recent statement, M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), expressed criticism towards a group of academicians who have distanced themselves from the recent rationalization of NCERT books, particularly the Political Science textbook. 
By Jitendra Jangid Jun 17, 2023, 12:34 IST
The Chairperson of the University Grants Commission M Jagadesh Kumar in his recent comments criticised the group of academicians who are distancing themselves from the recent rationalisation of NCERT books especially Political Science textbook. The chairperson ‘completely justified’ the act of rationalisation of NCERT books and said dissenting group have some other reasons to criticise rather than academic concerns. In his comment, the UGC Chief said “The recent modifications to the textbooks are not the only changes that have been made. NCERT has been revising its textbooks periodically in the past as well. The rationalization of textbook contents by NCERT is completely justified. NCERT has repeatedly stated that the revision of textbooks is based on feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders." Kumar stated that NCERT is developing a new set of textbooks in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education. The UGC chief confirmed that current rationalisation is a part of temporary phase and hence these ‘hue and cry by these academicians holds no merit’. The comment by Chairperson of the University Grants Commission M Jagadesh Kumar are supported by more than 1000 academicians as reported by Indian Express. Further, chairpersons and directors of NIT, IIM have also issued letters in support of the Kumar’s comment. The group of academicians who supported the rationalisation move have called the dissenting members ‘arrogant and self-interested individuals who aim to obstruct the implementation of NEP 2020.’ The statement by the supporters comes in the backdrop when 33 members of the Political Science textbooks committee requested the council to remove their names from the rationalisation of the textbook. However, the NCERT had on Saturday posted an official statement on its website, which clearly stated that rationalisation of textbooks is an ongoing exercise and that dropping off the names of those contributing to the development of these books was “out of question”. The statement was not signed.

In a recent statement, M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), expressed criticism towards a group of academicians who have distanced themselves from the recent rationalization of NCERT books, particularly the Political Science textbook. Kumar defended the rationalization of NCERT books, stating that it was entirely justified and suggested that the dissenting group had motives other than academic concerns for their criticism. He emphasized that the recent modifications to the textbooks were not the only changes made, as NCERT has been periodically revising its textbooks in the past. The UGC Chief stated that the rationalization of textbook contents by NCERT was based on feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders.

Kumar also mentioned that NCERT is currently developing a new set of textbooks in accordance with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education. He clarified that the ongoing rationalization process is a temporary phase, dismissing the criticism from the dissenting academicians as baseless. Interestingly, more than 1000 academicians, as reported by the Indian Express, have supported the comments made by the Chairperson of the UGC. Additionally, the chairpersons and directors of NIT and IIM have issued letters in support of Kumar's stance. These academicians who support the rationalization move have labeled the dissenting members as "arrogant and self-interested individuals who aim to obstruct the implementation of NEP 2020."

This statement from the supporters of the rationalization comes in response to the request made by 33 members of the Political Science textbooks committee, who asked the council to remove their names from the rationalization process. However, the NCERT responded by posting an official statement on its website, clearly stating that the rationalization of textbooks is an ongoing exercise and that removing the names of contributors was not an option. It is worth noting that the statement on the website was not signed.

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