The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has revised its Class 8 Social Science textbook following a directive from the Supreme Court of India. This revised edition focuses not only on rectifying the contentious chapter pertaining to the judiciary but also on other historical narratives, such as the Indian National Congress’s stance on Partition and the portrayal of historical figures. The Supreme Court’s intervention was prompted by concerns regarding the previous version’s content, which the Court deemed offensive and misleading.

The new edition, named Exploring Society: India and Beyond, was released after the apex court ordered the withdrawal of all earlier editions, both in physical and digital formats. The Court directed NCERT to prepare a revised version that eliminated the identified issues, prompting an apology from NCERT for what it termed an “error of judgement.” The organisation then proceeded with an expert review under the guidance of a committee set up by the Ministry of Education.

Alterations to Congress’s Position on Partition

One of the most noteworthy revisions made involves the treatment of India’s Independence and Partition. The prior textbook had claimed that while Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders opposed Partition, they ultimately accepted it as necessary. In stark contrast, the new version maintains that Partition was “widely opposed even by the Indian National Congress” and states that the acceptance of Partition remains “a matter of historical debate.” This alteration reflects a shift in the narrative regarding the complexity of Congress’s stance during that critical period.

The revised text also omits previous assertions suggesting that Congress leaders felt helpless in the face of communal violence during Partition. This removal aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the political dynamics at play during the end of British rule in India.

References to Hitler and Nazi Ideology Removed

The revised edition has further amended its portrayal of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s actions during the Second World War. The previous text had linked Bose’s efforts to garner support from Adolf Hitler, presenting Hitler within the context of a “dictator” whose “racist Nazi ideology” had played a role in sparking the conflict. The new version, however, adopts a broader phrasing that indicates Bose sought support from various “anti-British forces,” thereby expunging specific mentions of Hitler and Nazism.

Additionally, the history chapter now includes a reference to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, specifically highlighting his demand for Swaraj made in 1925. This inclusion aims to acknowledge the breadth of voices advocating for complete independence from British rule.

Judiciary Chapter Revised to Highlight Constitutional Role

Another significant modification has been made to the judiciary chapter, which has shifted its focus from critiquing the judicial system to explaining its constitutional functions. The revised chapter omits discussions regarding issues such as corruption and delays in the judiciary. Instead, it elaborates on the structure of the Indian judicial system, clarifying constitutional remedies available under Articles 32 and 226, as well as introducing concepts like Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and alternative dispute resolution methods.

The updated chapter also informs students about new technological initiatives like e-filing, hybrid court hearings, and live-streaming of judicial proceedings. This approach aims to provide students with a better understanding of the judicial system’s contemporary context.

The acknowledgements section of the textbook highlights that the revisions were carried out in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives in a suo motu writ petition. The NCERT underscores that these changes represent a substantial update to an educational text, aiming to ensure a more accurate and balanced representation of key events in Indian history and governance.

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