The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has reformed the textbook development team for political science classes 11 and 12. This new panel has been tasked with creating textbooks that emphasize cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems, and inclusion. Notably, at least four members of the team have direct or indirect connections with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a prominent nationalist organization in India. The class 11 textbook is expected to be completed by November, while the class 12 book is due by July next year.
Understanding the Role of NCERT and Its Textbook Panels
NCERT is a key government body responsible for designing and publishing school textbooks across India. Its curriculum and textbooks significantly influence the educational content taught in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and many state boards. The political science textbooks for classes 11 and 12 cover topics such as Indian politics, democracy, governance, and political theory, shaping students' understanding of the country's political landscape.
Textbook development teams typically include academics, educationists, and subject experts who collaborate to ensure the content is accurate, balanced, and aligned with national education policies. The inclusion of cultural and indigenous knowledge systems has been a recent focus to reflect India's diverse heritage.
Key Members and Their Backgrounds
- Sandeep Shastri: Leading the team, Shastri is an academic and political analyst, serving as vice president of Nitte University in Karnataka.
- Yadunath Deshpande: A senior consultant with the Ministry of Education, Deshpande has a longstanding history with the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), having held organizing roles in Maharashtra and Mumbai-Konkan regions. He is also a political consultant for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Prashant Divekar: Associated with Pune-based Jnana Prabodhini, an RSS-linked institution, Divekar emphasizes an educational philosophy rooted in Indian traditions and has contributed to the National Curriculum Framework.
- Vandana Mishra: A professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Mishra is a former national secretary of the ABVP.
- Ravi Rameshchandra Shukla: Also from JNU, Shukla has been involved with the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership, an RSS affiliate, and researches cultural and spiritual nationalism.
The team also includes scholars from various universities and institutions across India, such as Delhi University, IGNOU, Pondicherry University, and Jindal Global Law School, ensuring a broad geographic and academic representation.
Implications of the New Textbook Panel Composition
The inclusion of members with links to the RSS and its affiliates has sparked discussions about the ideological direction of the new political science textbooks. The RSS is known for promoting a nationalist vision of Indian culture and history, which may influence the content and perspectives presented in the textbooks.
NCERT's directive emphasizes integrating themes like cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems, and inclusion, aiming to reflect indigenous perspectives and diverse cultural narratives. The team will also coordinate with curricular groups on social sciences, languages, environmental education, and pedagogy to ensure interdisciplinary connections and multilingual perspectives.
Critics and observers will be watching closely to see how these textbooks balance academic rigor with ideological influences, and how they align with the National Education Policy 2020's goals of fostering a holistic and inclusive education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the role of NCERT in Indian education?
A: NCERT develops curricula and textbooks for schools across India, particularly those affiliated with CBSE, shaping the educational content for millions of students.
Q: Why is the composition of the textbook panel significant?
A: The backgrounds of panel members can influence the perspectives and content included in textbooks, affecting how subjects like political science are taught.
Q: What themes will the new political science textbooks focus on?
A: The textbooks will emphasize cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems, inclusion, educational technology, and interdisciplinary connections across subjects.
