The Centre has informed the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Monsoon Session that new NCERT textbooks now feature elements of the history, culture, traditions, and heritage of the North Eastern States. This initiative is particularly aimed at students from Classes 1 to 8.

The information was provided by Jayant Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Education, in a written reply to a query posed by Rajya Sabha MP Birendra Prasad Baishya regarding the inclusion of the North East’s cultural aspects in the NCERT curriculum.

The government maintains that this inclusion aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. Both documents underscore the importance of recognising India’s diverse cultural landscape and local contexts in educational programmes.

Focus on Cultural Diversity in the Curriculum

According to the Ministry of Education, the newly developed NCERT textbooks are intended to raise awareness among students regarding the rich cultural diversity found in the North Eastern region. This contribution represents a broader aim of integrating “Knowledge of India” into the school curriculum.

NEP 2020 outlines provisions for teaching about India’s achievements, challenges, and aspirations, and also stresses the necessity of incorporating Indigenous and traditional learning methods. The policy advocates for a multilingual approach and respect for the linguistic variety present within India, particularly in relation to the languages of the North East.

The Centre mentioned that NCERT carried out consultations at the district level throughout various States and Union Territories, including the North East, to facilitate the integration of NEP 2020 recommendations into new curriculum frameworks. State Focus Groups were established to develop Position Papers that helped shape the National Curriculum Frameworks.

Language Materials Reflecting Northeast Culture

The Ministry highlighted that NCERT’s language learning resources include age-appropriate material designed to represent India’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Specifically, the NCERT has produced Grade 6 R3 Language textbooks and Grade 9 learning resources in 22 languages, which encompass Assamese, Bodo, and Manipuri, reflecting the cultural heritage of the North Eastern States.

Furthermore, the Centre mentioned that NCERT is facilitating capacity-building initiatives across various States and Union Territories, especially targeting the North East, to enhance awareness of cultural heritage, Indian Knowledge Systems, and the educational strategies outlined in NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.

Experts and scholars from North Eastern States, including faculty members from NCERT, have also been engaged in the National Syllabus and Teaching-Learning Material Committee, as well as in the Curricular Area Groups, to ensure comprehensive representation of these regions in educational materials.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share