Suitable Changes Made in NCERT Textbooks

The Rajya Sabha was informed that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has received representations from different social groups regarding some contents in the following books taught under CBSE curriculum during the last three years:

"Islam Ka Udai aur Vistar" in class XI History textbook
Issue with regard to disgracing remarks on the "Nadar Community" in class IX History textbook

The CBSE presented the issues before its Committee of courses of Social Sciences. The Committee recommended forwarding the same to the NCERT.

Subsequently, NCERT amended the text books in consultation with Textbook Development Committee involving eminent educationists and subject experts.

A reference was also received regarding the alleged derogatory words in the Hindi text books of class I, VI, IX and XI of the NCERT.

The NCERT had informed Ministry of Human Resources Development that sometimes writers express themselves in such words in their text to reflect the realities of the contemporary society.

Such expressions are to be taken in totality and not in isolation. Some complaints, including the above mentioned reference, were received in 2006 also.

These were examined by the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Prof. Yash Pal and suitable changes were made in the NCERT text books based on its recommendations.