New Delhi. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently decided to withdraw the new social science book for class 8 titled ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ and publicly apologize over the controversial chapter. This decision was taken after a controversy in which there was serious reaction regarding the book’s chapter ‘The Role of Judiciary in Our Society’.

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Chapter IV included in the book cited challenges facing the judiciary such as corruption, huge backlog of cases, shortage of judges and other sensitive issues. Such statements on the judiciary gave rise to debates and controversy over the dignity of the Court.

NCERT said in a press release that the chapter contained ‘inappropriate textual content and an error in approval’ and was included in the book by mistake. The council said that it had no intention of tarnishing the prestige of any constitutional institution and has sincerely apologized for the mistake.

Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance

It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court, taking suo motu cognizance, made a strong comment and said that any content that harms the image of a constitutional institution like the judiciary is not acceptable. The court virtually banned the book and also issued an order to withdraw all copies. Further hearing is scheduled for March 11.

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response to controversy

NCERT said that we regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate the understanding of all stakeholders.

This decision has been taken at a time when increasing scrutiny is being kept on school books and the depiction of constitutional institutions in them. Education experts say NCERT books are taught in central and state government-affiliated schools across India, so any changes or removal of chapters impacts both students and teachers. Further clarification is awaited from the Council regarding the updated curriculum plan for the upcoming academic session.