The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an “unconditional and unqualified apology” for the chapter on the judiciary in its now-withdrawn Class 8 Social Science textbook. Last month, a chapter in NCERT’s newest Social Sciences textbook on the role of the judiciary caused uproar.
A statement issued by the NCERT on Tuesday read, “The National Council of Educational Research and Training [NCERT] has recently published a social science textbook, “Exploring Society: India and Beyond,” Grade 8 (Part II), which contained Chapter IV titled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society.”
“The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available,” the statement added.
Expressing regret for any inconvenience caused, NCERT reiterated its commitment to accuracy and sensitivity in educational materials. “NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content,” it said.
Also Read: “Deep-rooted conspiracy”: SC bans NCERT Class 8 textbook with chapter on judiciary
The apology came a day ahead of the next hearing of the court on its suo motu case on the textbook. The court on February 26 imposed a blanket ban on the NCERT Class 8 textbook that included a chapter on ‘corruption in the judiciary’, ordering the seizure of all physical copies and the takedown of digital versions. The court also posted the matter for hearing on March 11.
It noted that the chapter, while discussing the “role of judiciary in our society”, prominently referred to complaints against judges and suggested inaction, without adequately highlighting the judiciary’s role in preserving constitutional morality, the basic structure doctrine, legal aid, and access to justice.
