एनसीईआरटी ने 'अनुपयुक्त सामग्री' के लिए माफी मांगी

The controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook highlights several key concepts related to the judiciary, education, and governance in India. The Supreme Court's suo motu cognizance, the concept of judicial accountability, and the role of NCERT in shaping young minds are all central to understanding this issue.

The Suo Motu Cognizance taken by the Supreme Court reflects its inherent power to take up matters on its own accord when it believes there is a violation of rights or a matter of public importance. This power is derived from Article 32 of the Constitution, which grants the Supreme Court the authority to issue writs, orders, or directions for the enforcement of fundamental rights. In this case, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance because it perceived the NCERT textbook's content as a direct affront to the judiciary's integrity, potentially undermining public trust in the institution. The court's swift action underscores its role as the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of fundamental rights.

Judicial Accountability is a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity and credibility of the judiciary. While the NCERT textbook aimed to address this issue by highlighting corruption and case backlogs, the manner in which it was presented raised concerns about potentially defaming the institution. Mechanisms for judicial accountability in India include internal processes, such as codes of conduct for judges and complaint mechanisms like the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), as well as external mechanisms like impeachment. The textbook's reference to over 1,600 complaints received via CPGRAMS between 2017 and 2021 underscores the need for transparent and effective accountability measures. However, it also highlights the importance of presenting such information in a balanced and responsible manner to avoid undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) plays a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and textbooks used in schools across India. Established in 1961, NCERT's mandate is to provide quality education and promote research in education. The current controversy highlights the significant responsibility NCERT bears in ensuring that textbooks are accurate, balanced, and do not inadvertently undermine constitutional institutions. The revision of textbooks is being carried out in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the new National Curriculum Framework for School Education. This incident underscores the need for rigorous review processes and consultations with relevant authorities to prevent the inclusion of inappropriate or misleading content.

For UPSC aspirants, this issue is relevant for both Prelims and Mains exams. In Prelims, questions can be framed on the powers of the Supreme Court, the role of NCERT, and the mechanisms for judicial accountability. In Mains, questions can focus on the importance of maintaining the integrity of institutions, the challenges of judicial accountability, and the role of education in shaping public perception. Understanding the constitutional provisions related to the judiciary and the functions of bodies like NCERT is crucial for tackling such questions effectively.