NCERT's Content Controversy: Panel Set to Revise Textbooks Amid Historical Accuracy Disputes

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced the formation of a committee to address growing concerns over alleged inaccuracies in some of its textbooks. Key issues include the depiction of Jaisalmer as part of the Maratha Empire and the omission of significant historical events such as the 1817 Paika Rebellion.

The committee, led by Professor Ranjana Arora of NCERT's Department of Curriculum Studies and Development, will assess the criticisms based on available evidence and aims to submit its report promptly. This initiative follows fierce criticism from historians and public figures regarding factual discrepancies in newly revised school textbooks.

Prominent voices, including Chaitanya Raj Singh and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, have condemned the portrayal of regional histories and the exclusion of pivotal events. Actor R Madhavan has also joined the discourse, questioning the revised syllabus for its perceived imbalance in historical focus. NCERT emphasizes that feedback is regularly reviewed by expert committees to guide content revisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)