PM Orders Probe into NCERT Textbook Controversy over Judiciary
PM Modi directs inquiry into NCERT textbook's critical judiciary references.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered an investigation into the controversy surrounding a Class 8 NCERT textbook chapter that discusses “corruption” within the judiciary. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has pledged to fix responsibility and take action against those found culpable. The contentious chapter highlights corruption, a significant backlog of cases, and an insufficient number of judges as challenges facing the judicial system. The NCERT has issued an apology for the “inappropriate textual material” and “error in judgement,” leading to the withdrawal of the textbook from distribution. The Education Ministry has requested the cessation of the textbook's dissemination through digital platforms and electronic media. The Congress party has stated that the Supreme Court is “rightly agitated” over the matter.
This incident raises concerns about the content and quality control processes within NCERT textbook development, particularly regarding sensitive topics related to governance and institutions. The swift response from the Prime Minister's Office and the Education Ministry indicates the seriousness with which the government is treating the issue. The controversy underscores the importance of accurate and balanced representation of the judiciary in educational materials to foster informed understanding and respect for the institution among students.
This news is relevant for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon issues of judicial independence, textbook content oversight, and the role of the government in education. It is pertinent to GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) and GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude).
Key Facts
Prime Minister Modi ordered a probe into the NCERT textbook controversy.
The textbook chapter in question is from a Class 8 NCERT book.
The chapter discusses "corruption" in the judiciary.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan vowed to fix responsibility.
The NCERT issued a statement apologizing for the "inappropriate textual material".
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter.
The Education Ministry asked for the textbook to be removed from digital platforms.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations): Judicial independence, role of NCERT, education policy
GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude): Ethics in governance, institutional integrity
Potential questions on the structure and functioning of the judiciary, the mandate of NCERT, and the challenges in ensuring quality and relevant education
In Simple Words
The government is investigating a school textbook that talked about corruption in the courts. Some people got upset because they think it might make people lose respect for judges. The government wants to find out who put that information in the book and why.
India Angle
In India, people rely on the courts to solve problems fairly. If a textbook suggests the courts are corrupt, it could make people distrust the system. This could affect whether people seek justice or follow the law.
For Instance
Imagine if a bank's website said the bank was losing money. People might panic and withdraw their savings. Similarly, a textbook criticizing the courts could make people lose faith in the legal system.
It's important because we need to trust our courts to be fair. If people don't trust the courts, it can lead to chaos and injustice in society.
Trust in the judiciary is the bedrock of justice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered an investigation into the controversy surrounding an NCERT Class 8 textbook chapter on "corruption" in the judiciary. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has vowed to fix responsibility and take action against those responsible. The chapter in question mentions corruption, a massive backlog of cases, and a lack of adequate judges as challenges faced by the judicial system.
The NCERT has issued a statement apologizing for the "inappropriate textual material" and "error in judgement" and has withdrawn the textbook from distribution. The Education Ministry has requested that the dissemination of the textbook through digital platforms and electronic media be stopped. The Congress party has claimed that the Supreme Court is "rightly agitated" over the matter.
Expert Analysis
The controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook chapter on the judiciary highlights several key concepts related to governance and education in India.
The Independence of the Judiciary is a cornerstone of the Indian Constitution. It ensures that the judiciary can function without undue influence from the executive or legislative branches. This principle is enshrined in various articles of the Constitution, including Article 50, which directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. The inclusion of potentially controversial content in a textbook, even if unintentional, can be seen as a challenge to the judiciary's reputation and its perceived independence.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organization established in 1961 by the Government of India to advise and assist the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. As the publisher of textbooks used in schools across the country, NCERT plays a crucial role in shaping young minds. The current controversy raises questions about the processes NCERT employs to ensure the accuracy, balance, and appropriateness of its content, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like corruption and the functioning of key institutions.
The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 aims to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6-14 years in India. While the RTE Act focuses primarily on access and quality of education, the content of that education is equally important. The NCERT textbook controversy underscores the need for a robust mechanism to review and update textbook content regularly to ensure that it aligns with constitutional values and promotes a balanced understanding of India's institutions.
For UPSC aspirants, this incident highlights the importance of understanding the constitutional principles of judicial independence, the role and responsibilities of NCERT, and the broader context of education policy in India. Questions may arise in both Prelims and Mains exams related to the structure and functioning of the judiciary, the mandate of NCERT, and the challenges in ensuring quality and relevant education for all.
Visual Insights
NCERT Textbook Controversy: Timeline of Events
This timeline outlines the key events leading to the controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook chapter on the judiciary.
The NCERT has faced controversies in the past regarding textbook content. This incident highlights the ongoing debate about curriculum and the portrayal of institutions.
- 1961NCERT established to advise the government on school education.
- 2005National Curriculum Framework (NCF) revised.
- 2020National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends curriculum overhaul.
- 2023NCERT removes certain topics from textbooks, sparking criticism.
- 2024Controversy arises regarding a chapter on corruption in the judiciary in an NCERT textbook.
- 2026PM orders probe into NCERT textbook controversy; Education Minister vows action; textbook withdrawn.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did PM Modi order a probe into this NCERT textbook issue now? What triggered this specific response?
The Prime Minister's order for a probe likely stems from the sensitivity of the judiciary as an institution and the potential for misinterpretations or undermining of its integrity through textbook content. The apology from NCERT suggests an acknowledgement of the severity of the issue, prompting a swift response from the government.
2. How does this NCERT textbook controversy relate to the larger debate about the independence of the judiciary in India?
The controversy touches upon the sensitive issue of the judiciary's independence. Highlighting 'corruption' and 'inefficiency' in a textbook, even if factual, can be seen as undermining public trust in the judiciary. This can fuel arguments about the need for greater accountability, potentially impacting its perceived independence.
3. If a Mains question asks me to 'Critically examine the role of NCERT in shaping young minds,' how can I incorporate this controversy?
When critically examining NCERT's role, you can use this controversy to illustrate the challenges of balancing educational content with potential political or social sensitivities. You can discuss the need for robust review mechanisms, the impact of such controversies on public trust in educational institutions, and the importance of presenting balanced perspectives.
4. What specific fact related to this controversy could UPSC test in the Prelims exam, and what would be a likely distractor?
UPSC could test the year NCERT was established. The correct answer is 1961. A likely distractor would be other years close to it, such as 1951 or 1971. examTip: Remember NCERT was established soon after the emphasis on planned development in India.
Exam Tip
Remember NCERT was established soon after the emphasis on planned development in India.
5. How does the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 relate to this textbook controversy?
The NEP 2020 emphasizes critical thinking and holistic development. This controversy highlights the challenge of implementing these goals in textbook content. The incident may prompt a review of textbook development processes to ensure alignment with the NEP's objectives.
6. What are the potential implications of this controversy for the autonomy of NCERT?
The government-ordered probe could be seen as an intervention that might affect NCERT's autonomy. While the government has a responsibility to ensure the quality and appropriateness of educational content, excessive intervention could stifle academic freedom and independent thought within the organization.
7. Will this topic be more relevant for GS Paper 2 (Governance) or GS Paper 4 (Ethics)?
This topic is most relevant for GS Paper 2 (Governance), specifically concerning the functioning of educational institutions, government oversight, and the independence of the judiciary. While ethics are indirectly involved, the primary focus is on governance and institutional accountability.
8. What is the government's likely position on the content of textbooks, given this controversy?
Given the Education Minister's pledge to fix responsibility, the government's likely position is that textbook content should be carefully vetted to avoid inaccuracies, controversial statements, and potential misrepresentations of institutions like the judiciary. They will likely emphasize the need for balanced and age-appropriate content.
9. How does this situation highlight the challenges of balancing academic freedom with the need for responsible content creation in educational materials?
This controversy underscores the inherent tension between allowing educators and curriculum developers the freedom to explore complex issues and the responsibility to ensure that the content is accurate, fair, and does not unduly undermine public trust in important institutions. Striking this balance requires clear guidelines, robust review processes, and open dialogue.
10. What should UPSC aspirants watch for in the coming months regarding this issue?
Aspirants should monitor any changes to the NCERT textbook development process, any new guidelines issued by the Education Ministry regarding content review, and any further statements or actions taken by the government or NCERT in response to the probe. Also, keep an eye on any judicial pronouncements or public debates related to the independence of the judiciary.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT): 1. It is an autonomous organization established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. 2. It advises and assists the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. 3. It is responsible for implementing the Right to Education Act, 2009 across the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: NCERT is indeed an autonomous organization established by the Ministry of Education. Statement 2 is CORRECT: NCERT's mandate includes advising and assisting governments on improving school education. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While NCERT contributes to the implementation of RTE, the primary responsibility lies with the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, and the respective State governments.
2. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India is/are related to the independence of the judiciary? 1. Article 50 2. Article 124 3. Article 215 Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Article 50 directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. Article 124 deals with the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court, ensuring its independent structure. Article 215 declares High Courts to be courts of record and having all the powers of such courts including the power to punish for contempt of itself.
3. Assertion (A): The Prime Minister ordered a probe into the NCERT textbook controversy. Reason (R): The textbook chapter discussed corruption in the judiciary, which raised concerns about the institution's image. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the Prime Minister ordered the probe. The discussion of corruption in the judiciary in the textbook chapter prompted the government to take action to address the concerns raised.
Source Articles
PM orders accountability over NCERT judiciary ‘corruption’ content; Education Minister vows action - The Hindu
'Nagpur Communal Ecosystem for Rewriting of Textbooks' is real NCERT: Congress' dig at govt - The Hindu
PM Modi reiterates support for Gaza Peace Plan; Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook with chapter on ‘corruption’ in judiciary, and more in The Hindu’s top news of February 26, 2026. - The Hindu
Morning Digest: Afghanistan strikes Pakistan in latest escalation of violence; Hillary Clinton quizzed on Epstein, calls for Trump to testify, and more - The Hindu
Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook with chapter on ‘corruption’ in judiciary - The Hindu
About the Author
Richa SinghPublic Policy Researcher & Current Affairs Writer
Richa Singh writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.
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