NCERT Withdraws Controversial Class 8 Social Science Textbook Amid Supreme Court Ruling
NCERT's Apology and Textbook Withdrawal
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued a public apology and has withdrawn its Class 8 Social Science textbook following a significant controversy. This issue has recently captured national attention.
A chapter discussing the judiciary in the textbook sparked outrage, leading to intervention from the Supreme Court. The court's stern remarks prompted NCERT to retract the book entirely.
Two weeks prior, the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on the textbook, ordering the confiscation of all physical copies and the removal of its digital version from online platforms. The court expressed concerns that the content could negatively influence public perception of the judiciary.
Details of the Apology
In response to the escalating situation, NCERT published an apology in various prominent newspapers nationwide. The statement addressed a specific textbook titled "Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part-II)" for Class 8, highlighting that the contentious chapter was named "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society."
The NCERT Director and other officials conveyed their unconditional apology for the chapter's content, confirming that the entire book has been withdrawn from circulation.
Controversial Content Explained
The controversy stemmed from a section that addressed "corruption in the judiciary." Media coverage of this topic led to heightened scrutiny, prompting the Supreme Court to take notice of the issue. Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed significant concern, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of status, would be permitted to damage the judiciary's reputation.
Immediate Actions Taken
In light of the controversy, NCERT swiftly ceased the distribution of the textbook. Officials acknowledged that inappropriate content had been included and described the decision to publish it as a "mistake." An investigation is currently underway to ascertain how such material was incorporated into the book.
Supreme Court's Directives
The Supreme Court's decisive actions included a complete ban on the textbook, with orders for the confiscation of all printed copies and the removal of online versions. The court stressed the need for a thorough investigation, warning that neglecting such matters could undermine public trust in the judicial system. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, offered an apology in court on behalf of the Ministry of Education.