The revised NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook has come under scrutiny following changes to content related to the Indian Constitution, secularism and democracy.The controversy began after reports highlighted that the Preamble was no longer included in the introductory chapter on the Constitution in the new textbook. References to the words “secularism” and “secularism”, which appeared in earlier editions, were also removed from the main text.However, NCERT has rejected the claim that the Preamble has been removed from the curriculum. According to sources cited by ANI, the curriculum has been redesigned under the National Curriculum Framework, with topics now distributed in different grades instead of being covered in a single textbook.“The Preamble continues to appear in the opening pages of all new NCERT textbooks, including all Social Science books. It is also part of the Grade 10 syllabus,” NCERT sources told ANI.Sources added that constitutional values ​​like justice, freedom, secularism and socialism have already been introduced in Classes 6 to 8 and will be discussed in more detail in Class 10.
Old vs. New: Key changes in the textbook
Chapter of the Constitution
The first textbooks: The chapter of the Constitution included the Preamble and explained concepts such as secularism in the text.New textbook: The chapter discusses constitutional values, institutions and governance, but does not reproduce the Preamble in the chapter. References to “secularism” and “secularism” have also been removed from the main text.
Emergency chapter
The first textbooks: There was no lesson dedicated to the 1975-77 Emergency in Class 9.New textbook: For the first time, the revised textbook includes a separate section on the Emergency, calling it “one of the major challenges” for Indian democracy. He says that during the Emergency, the majority of Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored and many political leaders and activists were arrested. The chapter also highlights the role of Jayaprakash Narayan in leading protests and says that the 1977 election result showed the strength of Indian democracy.
Justice
The first textbooks: The previous textbook of Class 9 explained the role of the judiciary in interpreting the laws, protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that the Constitution is followed. New textbook: The revised textbook describes the judiciary as an “impartial and independent institution” that safeguards the rights of citizens and upholds the spirit of the Constitution. It says the judiciary can review executive actions and constitutional amendments, annul unconstitutional laws, and hear Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to ensure access to justice.The change comes months after the Supreme Court objected to references to alleged judicial corruption in a Class 8 NCERT textbook, which was later withdrawn.
Electoral Commission and SIR
The first textbooks: The first Class 9 textbook explained the voter lists and said they are revised periodically to keep them up to date. New textbook: The revised textbook introduces the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the Electoral Commission for the first time. He says the exercise helps ensure that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll. The book also praises the Electoral Commission for conducting elections impartially despite challenges such as fake news, misinformation and intimidation.
