NCERT Dismisses Claims About Removal of Preamble from Class 9 Social Science Textbook
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has officially responded to recent reports suggesting that the Preamble to the Indian Constitution has been removed from the newly released Class 9 Social Science textbook. The council has categorically denied these allegations, labeling such claims as misleading and factually incorrect.
According to sources within NCERT, the reports circulating about the Preamble’s removal are entirely baseless. The council explained that the curriculum has undergone a reorganization under the newly implemented National Curriculum Framework (NCF). This restructuring involves redistributing topics across different grade levels rather than eliminating any content from the syllabus.
Understanding the Curriculum Restructuring
Under the revised NCF, subjects have been strategically reallocated to different classes to create a more cohesive and progressive learning experience for students. This systematic approach ensures that foundational concepts are introduced at appropriate stages, allowing students to build their understanding gradually. The council emphasized that this is a matter of reorganization, not removal.
Preamble Still Present in All NCERT Books
Contrary to the viral claims, the Preamble continues to be prominently featured in the introductory pages of all newly published NCERT textbooks. This includes every edition of the Social Science books released across various grade levels. The council’s sources have confirmed that the Preamble remains an integral part of the educational material provided to students.
Key Points About the Controversy
Here are the essential facts regarding the Preamble’s status in the NCERT curriculum:
- The claims about the Preamble being removed from Class 9 Social Science textbooks are completely false and misleading
- The NCF has only restructured the curriculum, redistributing subjects across different classes without removing any topics
- The Preamble remains published in the opening pages of all new NCERT books, including all Social Science titles
- Constitutional values such as secularism, justice, liberty, and socialism are being taught to students from Classes 6 through 8, with particular emphasis in the Class 7 Social Science textbook
- The Preamble and constitutional values will be covered in greater depth in the Class 10 curriculum
How Constitutional Values Are Taught Across Grades
NCERT has clarified the progressive approach to teaching constitutional values throughout the school years. Students in Classes 6 to 8 are introduced to fundamental concepts including secularism, justice, liberty, and socialism. The Class 7 Social Science textbook particularly emphasizes these themes, providing students with a solid foundation in understanding India’s constitutional framework.
This early exposure prepares students for the more comprehensive study of the Preamble and constitutional values that takes place in Class 10. The two-stage approach ensures that students first grasp basic concepts before moving on to more complex interpretations and applications of these principles.
Official Clarification on the Matter
The council has urged the public and educational stakeholders to disregard the misleading information circulating on various platforms. NCERT maintains that its textbooks continue to uphold the constitutional values that form the bedrock of Indian democracy. The organization remains committed to providing quality educational materials that reflect the nation’s constitutional ethos.
The clarification comes at a time when educational content is under increased scrutiny, with various stakeholders actively monitoring curriculum changes. NCERT’s response aims to provide clarity and prevent any unnecessary confusion among students, parents, and educators regarding the status of constitutional education in Indian schools.
