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NCERT Issues Unconditional Apology for Withdrawn Class 8 Textbook Chapter

The NCERT has issued an unconditional apology for a controversial chapter on the judiciary in a now-withdrawn Class 8 Social Science textbook. The entire book has been pulled from availability following a Supreme Court order imposing a complete ban on its publication and dissemination. The council has requested the public return any physical copies and delete any digital content related to the specific chapter. The Supreme Court also directed NCERT to submit detailed records of the committee that approved the contentious material.

Key Points: NCERT Apologizes for Withdrawn Textbook on Judiciary

  • Unconditional apology issued
  • Textbook fully withdrawn
  • Supreme Court imposed blanket ban
  • Chapter addressed judiciary and corruption
  • Public asked to return copies
3 min read

NCERT issues "unconditional" apology for withdrawn class 8 book over inappropriate content on judiciary

NCERT issues an unconditional apology and withdraws a Class 8 Social Science textbook chapter on the judiciary following a Supreme Court ban.

"The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. - NCERT"

New Delhi, March 10

The Director and Members of the National Council of Educational Research and Training tendered an "unconditional and unqualified apology" for the chapter IV in its now-withdrawn Class 8 Social Science textbook, "Exploring Society: India and Beyond".

In a statement issued via X, NCERT stated that the entire book has been withdrawn, making it unavailable.

"The National Council of Educational Research and Training [NCERT] has recently published a social science textbook, "Exploring Society: India and Beyond," Grade 8 (Part II), which contained Chapter IV titled "The Role of Judiciary in our Society." The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available," NCERT wrote in the post.

The council expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, reiterating its commitment to accuracy and sensitivity in educational materials.

"NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content," the post said.

The apology follows concerns raised regarding the chapter's portrayal of the judiciary in the chapter IV 'The Role of Judiciary in our Society; with a sub-chapter titled "Corruption in the judiciary".

Earlier, NCERT recalled the book following a blanket ban imposed by the Supreme Court of India on its publication and dissemination.

In a media advisory, NCERT requested that "any individual or organisation, who is in possession of the NCERT textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science Grade 8 Part 2, or any material related to it, may return it to the Head, Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS) or Publication Division, NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi, at the earliest possible".

The council also asked that any content related to the chapter "Role of Judiciary in Our Society", if shared on social media or digital platforms, be deleted at the earliest possible time.

The recall follows an order by the Supreme Court of India dated February 26. As per paragraph 20 of the order, "a complete blanket ban is hereby imposed on any further publication re: printing or digital dissemination of the book titled 'Exploring Society, India and Beyond'."

The order added that any attempt to circumvent the ban "through electronic media or alternative titles, containing the same contents, shall be treated as a direct interference, willful breach and defiance of the directions issued herein above".

On Februray 26, the Supreme Court also directed NCERT to submit detailed records of the Teaching-Learning Materials Committee that approved the chapter, including the names, qualifications, and credentials of all members of the development team.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Supreme Court's intervention was necessary. How did such a chapter even get approved? The entire committee process needs scrutiny. Our judiciary is a pillar of democracy, and its portrayal to children must be balanced and respectful.
A
Aman W
I have a slightly different take. While the apology is fine, shouldn't we teach children about accountability of all institutions, including judiciary? Of course, it must be done appropriately, but shielding them from all reality isn't helpful either.
S
Sarah B
The recall process seems very thorough, asking for physical returns and digital deletions. It shows they are serious about containing the issue. Hope the new committee is more diligent.
V
Vikram M
As a parent, I'm relieved. We trust NCERT to provide balanced content. A chapter titled "Corruption in the judiciary" for 13-year-olds is simply not appropriate. The focus should be on the system's strengths and how it protects citizens.
K
Karthik V
The unconditional apology is the right step. Now, the important thing is to learn from this and strengthen the review process. The names and credentials of the development team being scrutinized by the SC is a big deal. Accountability matters.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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