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

The recent comments made by M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), criticized a group of academicians who have distanced themselves from the recent rationalization of NCERT books, specifically the Political Science textbook.
By Jitendra Jangid Jun 18, 2023, 07:08 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.

The recent comments made by M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), criticized a group of academicians who have distanced themselves from the recent rationalization of NCERT books, specifically the Political Science textbook. Kumar defended the act of rationalization and suggested that the dissenting group has motives other than academic concerns. According to the UGC Chief, the recent modifications to the textbooks are not the only changes that have been made, as NCERT has periodically revised its textbooks in the past as well. He stated that the rationalization of textbook contents by NCERT is fully justified, as it is based on feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders.

Kumar also mentioned that NCERT is currently developing a new set of textbooks in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education. He confirmed that the ongoing rationalization process is temporary and dismissed the criticism from the dissenting academicians as baseless. The Indian Express reported that more than 1000 academicians support Kumar's comments, and chairpersons and directors of institutions like NIT and IIM have also expressed their support through letters. The academicians in favor of the rationalization move have referred to the dissenting members as "arrogant and self-interested individuals" who aim to obstruct the implementation of NEP 2020.

The supporters' statement comes in response to 33 members of the Political Science textbooks committee requesting the council to remove their names from the rationalization process. However, the NCERT released an official statement on its website, stating that the rationalization of textbooks is an ongoing exercise and that removing the names of contributors is not an option. The statement, however, was not signed.

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