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NCERT Scrambles to Retrieve 38 Sold Copies of Controversial Class 8 Textbook

The NCERT is attempting to trace and recover 38 sold copies of a now-withdrawn Class 8 Social Science textbook. The council halted distribution and recalled all unsold inventory after controversy erupted over a chapter discussing the judiciary, which drew sharp reactions including from the Supreme Court. NCERT acknowledged "inappropriate textual material" in the chapter on the judiciary's role and has decided to undertake a comprehensive review and rewrite. The textbook is part of the ongoing overhaul under the National Education Policy 2020.

Key Points: NCERT Recalls Class 8 Book Over Judiciary Chapter Controversy

  • Textbook withdrawn over judiciary chapter
  • Only 38 copies sold from 2.25 lakh printed
  • Supreme Court took strong exception
  • Chapter cited corruption, case backlogs
  • Part of NEP 2020 textbook overhaul
2 min read

NCERT 'trying' to retrieve 38 sold copies of now-withdrawn Class 8 Social Science textbook

NCERT withdraws Class 8 Social Science textbook, tries to retrieve 38 sold copies after Supreme Court objects to content on judiciary. Full recall ordered.

"certain inappropriate textual material and errors of judgement - NCERT official statement"

By Vishu Adhana, New Delhi, February 26

The National Council of Educational Research and Training is attempting to retrieve the 38 copies of the now-withdrawn Class 8 Social Science Part 2 textbook that were sold, sources in the Education Ministry toldon Wednesday.

Of the 2.25 lakh copies printed, only 38 were sold while 2,24,962 remained in inventory.

All unsold copies have been recalled back to the NCERT warehouse, sources said, adding that efforts are underway to trace and recover the sold copies as well.

The development comes a day after NCERT halted the distribution of the textbook following controversy over the content of a chapter on the judiciary. The book, titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II, was released on February 24 as part of the new curriculum framework.

In an official statement issued earlier, NCERT acknowledged that "certain inappropriate textual material and errors of judgement" had inadvertently crept into Chapter 4, titled "The Role of Judiciary in our Society." The council said it has decided to withdraw the textbook and undertake a comprehensive review and rewriting of the chapter.

The controversy erupted after portions of the chapter referred to corruption in the judiciary and highlighted case backlogs, drawing sharp reactions. The Supreme Court took strong exception to the references, following which NCERT moved swiftly to halt further circulation of the book.

The Class 8 Social Science textbook is part of the ongoing overhaul of school textbooks under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). NCERT has been rolling out revised books in phases, with changes in content, structure and thematic approach.

Sources said the revised version of the chapter will be issued after due review and vetting, and fresh copies will be printed accordingly.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the swift withdrawal is good, why was such a sensitive chapter approved in the first place? Our children's education material should be thoroughly vetted. Hoping the revised chapter is balanced and factual.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, isn't discussing case backlogs and challenges within the judiciary part of a realistic social science education? We should teach children to think critically about all institutions, while maintaining respect. The reaction seems a bit extreme.
S
Sarah B
Trying to retrieve 38 books? That seems like an overreaction and a waste of administrative effort. The damage, if any, is minimal. Focus should be on the review and getting the correct books to schools on time.
V
Vikram M
This whole NEP textbook overhaul is happening too fast. Rushed revisions lead to errors. We need stability in our education system, not constant changes that confuse students, teachers, and parents.
M
Michael C
The transparency in admitting the error is commendable. Many organizations would try to hide it. Hope the new chapter is well-researched and serves its educational purpose effectively.

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

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