• Source:JND

NCERT Book Row: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is ascertaining the text development process after the Supreme Court on Thursday flagged concerns over the inclusion of a chapter on "judicial corruption". The NCERT is also identifying individuals responsible for the inclusion of the contentious material.

"The NCERT is ascertaining the process of making textbooks which has led to this error of judgement and also identifying the persons responsible for the same. This would also ensure that this kind of inappropriateness is completely avoided in future. This shall be done with utmost strictness," news agency PTI quoted sources as saying.

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PM Modi Expresses Displeasure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a state visit to Israel, on Thursday expressed displeasure over the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook chapter on "judicial corruption". PM Modi has demanded to know who is overseeing the matter. "Kaun dekh raha hai ye sab?" (Who is looking after all this?), NDTV quoted PM Modi as saying.

Union Education Minister On NCERT Boom Row

Earlier in the day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed anguish over the NCERT introducing a chapter on "judicial corruption" in its Class 8 Social Science textbook. Addressing the media amid the row, Pradhan said, "I am very sad at what has happened. There was no intention to insult the judiciary. We have decided to recall all copies printed so far with immediate effect," he said, adding, "People have unwavering faith in the judiciary. We will not allow the reputation of any constitutional institution to be tarnished."

He further assured that accountability would be fixed and appropriate action taken against those responsible for drafting the chapter on judicial corruption.

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Education Ministry Seeks Halt To Digital Circulation

The Education Ministry has written to the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), and the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), urging them to take immediate steps to halt the circulation of the textbook through digital platforms and electronic media, news agency ANI reported.

SC Imposes 'Blanket Ban' On NCERT Book

This comes after the Supreme Court observed that there appeared to be a "well-orchestrated conspiracy" to defame the judiciary. The Supreme Court imposed a "blanket ban" on the further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the NCERT's Class 8 social science textbook.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the two individuals involved in the drafting of the chapter would no longer be associated with the ministry. However, the Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, described the step as "very light action".

"They have fired the gunshot and the judiciary is bleeding today. The judges say their morale is down and people are talking about it," the court noted.

Supreme Court Wants Deeper Probe Into NCERT Book

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought a deeper probe into the publication of the textbook, observing that it prominently mentions complaints against judges and implies a lack of action.

"We need to find who is responsible and we will see who are there," CJI Surya Kant said.

"As the head of the institution, I must find out who the persons who are responsible behind it. Heads must roll, I am not going to close these proceedings," the CJI said.


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