New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a section on the 1975-77 Emergency in its new Class 9 Social Science textbook, while references to the Preamble, secularism and certain other themes from previous editions have been omitted, triggering a fresh political debate.
The revised textbook, titled Understanding Society: India and Beyond, describes the Emergency imposed by the then Indira Gandhi-led Congress government as a “major challenge” to Indian democracy. The chapter discusses the suspension of Fundamental Rights, arrests of opposition leaders and restrictions on the press during the 21-month period. It also highlights the role played by Jayaprakash Narayan and the opposition movement during the Emergency.
According to reports, the new textbook no longer contains a dedicated discussion on the Preamble and secularism that featured in earlier political science textbooks. NCERT officials have maintained that constitutional values are now being taught across different chapters instead of through a standalone section, in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The changes have reignited a political battle between the BJP and the Congress. While BJP leaders have welcomed the inclusion of the Emergency chapter, arguing that students should learn about this period of Indian history, the Congress has criticised the move, alleging that it reflects “divisive politics” and selective interpretation of history.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the revised content, saying younger generations should be aware of the events and consequences of the Emergency so that democratic values can be better understood and protected. Opposition leaders, however, have accused the government of attempting to reshape historical narratives through textbooks.
The revised Class 9 textbooks are part of NCERT’s ongoing curriculum overhaul under the National Education Policy 2020 and are expected to be introduced in schools from the current academic session.
