New Delhi, Mar 11: The Centre on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it has directed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to review textbooks of all classes following concerns over “offending” content in a Class 8 social science book.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi observed that instead of merely directing the NCERT, the government could have constituted an expert committee to review the curriculum.
The apex court was hearing a suo motu case related to the Class 8 social science textbook that allegedly contained objectionable content concerning corruption in the judiciary.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government has asked NCERT to review textbooks of all classes and not just the Class 8 book in question. He assured the bench that a panel of domain experts would be constituted to examine the curriculum.
“We have started systemic changes,” Mehta said, adding that no content would be published without being vetted by domain experts.
He also informed the court that the NCERT Director has filed an affidavit tendering an unconditional and unqualified apology over the issue.
Earlier, on February 26, the Supreme Court had imposed a “complete blanket ban” on further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the Class 8 social science book, observing that it contained “offending” references to corruption in the judiciary.
The court had remarked that such content appeared like firing a “gunshot” at the judiciary, stating that the institution was “bleeding”.
Observing that there appeared to be a “deep-rooted conspiracy” and a “calculated move” to undermine the dignity of the judiciary, the apex court had directed authorities to immediately seize all copies of the book in circulation and remove them from public access without delay. (Agencies)
