SRINAGAR: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) had initiated a series of revisions, aiming to reflect the evolving political landscape of India, particularly in regards to the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 ‘abrogation’ has finally gone to the text books.
Among the notable changes was the inclusion of references to the abrogation of Article 370, a constitutional provision granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir, in the Political Science and Social Science textbooks for classes 11 and 12.
In one chapter, the paragraph discussing the unique provisions for certain states now bore an additional line acknowledging the Article 370’s abrogation in August 2019.
“While most of the states have equal powers, there are special provisions for some states like J&K and the states in the North-East,” the line in the text book existed in the earlier curriculum. The revised version adds one line at the end of the paragraph saying, “However, Article 370 that contains special provisions for J&K was abrogated in August 2019”.
Moreover, the terminology used to describe Pakistan-occupied Kashmir underwent a transformation. Previously referred to as “Azad Pakistan,” it was now designated as “Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).” This alteration aimed to align the textbooks with the official stance of the Indian government regarding the territorial dispute.
In another chapter, the definition of the Left underwent a subtle yet significant revision. No longer confined to advocating for the poor and downtrodden, the new definition emphasised a preference for state control of the economy over free competition. This adjustment mirrored the shifting ideologies within India’s political spectrum.
As students delved into the chapters on history and politics, they encountered interesting references to sensitive historical events. The narrative surrounding the merger of Manipur with India underwent modification, reflecting a more nuanced portrayal of historical events.
References to contentious incidents such as the demolition of Babri Masjid and the Gujarat riots were conspicuously absent from the revised textbooks. The NCERT officials clarified that these changes were part of routine updates and not influenced by political agendas.
