NCERT reconstitutes Class 11, 12 Political Science textbook team: Check complete details here

NCERT Overhauls Political Science Textbook Team, Emphasizing Indian Knowledge Systems and Cultural Rootedness

New Delhi, India – The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has initiated a significant restructuring of the team responsible for developing new Political Science textbooks for Classes 11 and 12. This move signals a conscious effort to integrate Indian knowledge systems, cultural rootedness, and an inclusive approach into the core curriculum. The reconstituted team has been tasked with preparing revised books that reflect these new directives, aligning with the broader educational reforms outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The revamped team has drawn considerable attention, particularly due to the affiliations of several of its members. Reports from PTI, referencing the NCERT notification and publicly accessible profiles, indicate that at least four members have documented ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its student wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), or institutions associated with these organizations. This aspect has ignited discussions about the potential ideological leanings that may influence the content of the new textbooks.

Sandeep Shastri to Lead Textbook Development

Leading this crucial textbook development exercise is prominent academic and political analyst Sandeep Shastri. Currently serving as the Vice President of Nitte, a deemed university based in Karnataka, Shastri brings a wealth of experience to the role.

According to the NCERT notification, the team faces an ambitious timeline. The Class 11 Political Science textbook is slated for completion by November of this year, while the Class 12 textbook is expected to be ready by July 2027. This expedited schedule underscores the NCERT’s commitment to swiftly implementing the NEP 2020 guidelines into the curriculum.

Wider Focus for New Textbooks Emphasized

The newly formed team comprises a diverse group of academics and educationists drawn from prestigious institutions across India. These include Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi University, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), National Law University, Chanakya University, Jindal Global Law School, and Pondicherry University. This broad representation aims to ensure a multi-faceted perspective in the textbook creation process.

The NCERT notification further details that the team will collaborate closely with various curricular groups specializing in social science, languages, Indian knowledge systems, environmental education, and innovative pedagogy. This inter-disciplinary approach is intended to foster interconnectedness across different grades and subjects, promoting a holistic educational experience.

Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, stated that the revised books will undergo rigorous review for several key themes. These include cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems, inclusion, educational technology, and assessment methodologies. The emphasis on these themes highlights the NCERT’s objective to create textbooks that are not only academically sound but also culturally relevant and technologically advanced.

The revision of Political Science textbooks carries significant weight, as the subject forms the bedrock for understanding India’s Constitution, democratic principles, political institutions, and the nuances of citizenship. Consequently, the new books will be meticulously scrutinized for how they portray India’s political history, interpret constitutional values, and accommodate diverse viewpoints. The focus on integrating Indian knowledge systems represents a notable shift, promising a curriculum that aims to be more aligned with indigenous intellectual traditions and cultural heritage.