NEW DELHI – The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has officially denied allegations that the Preamble to the Constitution of India has been dropped from its Class 9 Political Science textbook. The clarification, issued in mid-July 2024, came amidst a wave of concerns and protests from opposition political parties and educationalists regarding alleged deletions in school curriculum content.

The controversy arose following reports and social media discussions suggesting that new editions of the Class 9 'Democratic Politics – I' textbook no longer featured the Preamble. This sparked criticism, with opposition leaders arguing that such a move undermined constitutional values and represented an attempt to alter foundational aspects of India's democratic ethos. The Preamble, which outlines India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, is considered a core element of the Constitution.

NCERT officials firmly refuted these claims, stating that the Preamble remains a part of the Class 9 Political Science textbook currently in print and circulation. They clarified that the confusion might stem from comparisons with older editions of the textbook or misinterpretations of ongoing curriculum revision processes. An official spokesperson highlighted that the textbook under discussion includes the Preamble on its opening pages, maintaining its presence in the curriculum for secondary school students.

This denial follows a period of heightened scrutiny over curriculum adjustments made by NCERT. In recent years, the council has undertaken revisions to various textbooks, leading to the removal or alteration of several chapters and topics across different subjects and grades. These changes, often aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) guidelines, have sometimes drawn criticism for omitting specific historical events, scientific theories, or political concepts.

  • NCERT's Stance: The council maintains that the Preamble is unequivocally present in the Class 9 Political Science textbook.
  • Source of Confusion: Officials suggested the misunderstanding could arise from references to previous editions or unverified reports.
  • Preamble's Significance: The Preamble outlines the core ideals and objectives of the Indian Constitution, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  • Broader Context: The denial is set against a backdrop of broader debates regarding NCERT's curriculum updates, which have seen other content alterations in textbooks for various classes.

The NCERT's explicit denial aims to quell the controversy surrounding the Preamble's inclusion, reassuring stakeholders that this fundamental constitutional text continues to be taught as part of the Class 9 curriculum. As curriculum reforms and textbook revisions remain ongoing processes in India's education system, stakeholders including political parties, educators, and parents are expected to continue monitoring these developments closely to ensure transparency and adherence to educational standards.