Academicians Write to President Murmu Over NCERT Textbook Ban
More than fifty educators and scholars have formally approached President Droupadi Murmu, requesting her intervention in the ongoing controversy surrounding the ban on an NCERT textbook. In their correspondence, the group has described the Supreme Court’s decision to prohibit the Class 8 Social Science book as an instance of “judicial overreach” and has urged the President to step in.
Concerns Over the Scope of the Ban
The signatories argue that the prohibition on the textbook, titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, could have serious and lasting consequences for the country’s educational framework. Their concern is particularly focused on a chapter that discusses the judiciary, which they believe is essential for students’ understanding of civic structures.
According to the letter, the ruling undermines the ability of educators, teachers, and other stakeholders to evaluate academic content objectively. The scholars also contend that the decision has effectively stifled public discourse on matters related to the judicial system, creating an environment of hesitation among those who might otherwise engage in meaningful discussion.
Allegations of Violating Natural Justice
The letter highlights that on February 26, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, labeling portions of the chapter as “offending” and ordering a ban on the entire book. The Court also issued notices related to criminal contempt proceedings. Subsequently, three members of the textbook development team were identified and faced punitive measures, including directives for institutions to dissociate from them.
The scholars have raised serious objections to these actions, asserting that they breach the principles of natural justice. They point out that those penalized were not given an adequate opportunity to present their side of the story before the punitive steps were implemented. Furthermore, the letter expresses apprehension that such measures could infringe upon fundamental rights related to employment and livelihood.
Demand for Academic Autonomy
Describing the matter as fundamentally educational in nature, the signatories emphasize that decisions regarding curriculum content and pedagogical approaches should rest with education specialists. They reference the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 as guiding documents that should inform such determinations.
The academicians argue that the textbook was designed to foster critical thinking and civic awareness among students—objectives that align with broader educational goals. Banning the entire book due to a single sub-section, they contend, creates unnecessary hardships for students nationwide and instills a sense of fear among teachers. This atmosphere, they warn, could discourage constructive academic dialogue and intellectual exploration in classrooms.
Specific Appeals to the President
In their appeal for immediate intervention, the scholars have put forward a clear set of requests for the President to consider:
- Direct the Ministry of Education to lift the ban on the textbook.
- Permit the publication of the book with the contentious chapter removed.
- Withdraw the punitive actions taken against the authors and contributors.
- Ensure broader academic representation in any future review processes.
The letter underscores the belief that these steps are necessary to protect the integrity of India’s educational system and to uphold the principles of fair process and academic freedom. The scholars maintain that their appeal is rooted in a commitment to safeguarding the quality and objectivity of learning materials for schoolchildren across the country.
