NCERT recasts political science textbook panel; 4 with RSS links among 20 members
NCERT has reconstituted its political science textbook panel for Classes XI and XII, including several members with ties to the RSS and BJP. The move is intended to streamline the curriculum development process.
Why it matters
The composition of textbook panels is a sensitive issue in India, as it influences the ideological framing of history and political science taught to millions of students.
NEW DELHI: NCERT has reconstituted the team tasked with preparing political science textbooks for Classes XI and XII, bringing together university academics, schoolteachers and its own faculty members, with the first of the two books scheduled to be ready by Nov.The 20-member panel includes faculty members from JNU, Delhi University, Ignou, National Law University Delhi, Jindal Global Law School, Pondicherry University and Utkal University, schoolteachers and NCERT academics, with at least four of its members known for links, past or present, with organisations linked to RSS or BJP.They are former ABVP national secretary and JNU professor Vandana Mishra; educationist Yadunath Deshpande, who has held organisational positions in ABVP and has described himself professionally as a BJP political consultant; Prashant Divekar of Pune-based Jnana Prabodhini; and JNU academic Ravi Rameshchandra Shukla, who has been associated with the editorial board of a journal published by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini-linked Indian Institute of Democratic…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in