NCERT Reconstitutes Textbook Development Team for Class 11 and 12 Political Science

NCERT Reconstitutes Textbook Development Team for Political Science Classes 11 and 12

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced the reconstitution of a textbook development team for Political Science for Classes 11 and 12. This move comes as part of an initiative to update and revise educational content in these subjects.

The newly formed 20-member panel will be responsible for reviewing and revising the curriculum and textbooks in line with current academic standards. Notably, at least four members of the panel are associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a well-known cultural and nationalist organization in India. This development has sparked discussions around the influence of organizations on educational content.

Panel head Sandeep Shastri stated that the primary focus of the committee is to maintain factual accuracy in the textbooks and ensure that they are reflective of diverse perspectives. The council aims to provide students with a robust understanding of political concepts, theories, and their implications in contemporary society.

This reconstitution comes at a time when educational content in India is under scrutiny for ideological biases. The NCERT, established in 1961, plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape by developing textbooks for various subjects across different grades.

The updated textbooks are expected to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes critical thinking, multidisciplinary learning, and the integration of local contexts in education. The timeline for the finalization and rollout of the revised textbooks has not yet been disclosed.