NCERT Restructures Curriculum Committee Following Supreme Court Rebuke
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced a major overhaul of its curriculum development body, responding directly to criticism from the Supreme Court over controversial content in a Class 8 social science textbook. The restructuring comes after the court intervened in a dispute surrounding a chapter that discussed corruption within the judiciary.
A New 20-Member Committee Takes Shape
NCERT’s National Steering Committee for Curriculum and Instructional Materials (NSTC) has been reconstituted with 20 members, down from its previous 22-member composition. The revamped panel brings together a diverse group of respected academics and education specialists, including:
- V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras
- Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research
- R. Venkata Rao, former Vice-Chancellor of the National Law School
- Amarendra Prasad Behera
Three Members Removed From Panel
Following the Supreme Court’s directive, three individuals have been removed from the committee. These include Michel Danino, M.D. Srinivas, and Bibek Debroy. Notably, Debroy had passed away recently prior to the committee’s reconstitution.
Understanding the Committee’s Mandate
This steering committee plays a pivotal role in shaping educational content across the country. It is responsible for developing curricula and learning materials for students from Class 3 through Class 12. Additionally, the committee holds the authority to make adjustments to textbooks for Classes 1 and 2 when necessary, ensuring a smooth academic transition for young learners moving from primary to elementary education.
The Controversy That Sparked Change
The catalyst for this restructuring traces back to February 2026, when the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of a contentious section in the Class 8 social science textbook. The disputed content pertained to allegations of corruption within the judicial system. In response, the court imposed a complete ban on both print and digital versions of the textbook, effectively halting its distribution and availability.
Reasoning Behind the Reorganization
A senior official from NCERT explained that the committee’s reconstitution aims to strengthen the body and facilitate necessary reforms. The reorganization is seen as a proactive step to ensure the curriculum development process remains responsive to contemporary educational needs while adhering to judicial oversight and public expectations.
The move signals NCERT’s commitment to maintaining academic integrity and responsiveness to legal directives, while also reflecting a broader effort to refine how educational content is curated and reviewed for school students nationwide.
