NCERT releases revised Class 8 Social Science textbook removing controversial sections
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Education policy· Prelims·
Why in news
NCERT revised the Class 8 Social Science textbook 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' to remove controversial content on economic discrimination and include legal mechanisms.
Background
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) updated the 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' textbook. The revision specifically removed sections on economic background as a ground for discrimination and added content on PILs and tribunals.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyNCERT: An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education responsible for school curriculum.
- S&TPublic Interest Litigation (PIL): A legal mechanism allowing any individual or group to file a petition in court for the protection of public interest.
- BodyTribunals: Quasi-judicial bodies established to adjudicate specific disputes like industrial or tax matters.
- FactThe revised textbook is specifically targeted at the Class 8 level of the school curriculum.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the role of NCERT in shaping the national narrative and the importance of including judicial mechanisms like PILs in the school curriculum.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Pedagogical neutrality: Balancing the inclusion of sensitive socio-economic issues with the need for objective historical and social facts.
- Legal literacy: Enhancing student awareness of alternative dispute resolution to reduce the burden on formal judiciary.
- Curriculum standardisation: Ensuring uniform educational content across diverse states while addressing regional sensitivities.
Keywords: Pedagogical neutrality · Legal literacy · Curriculum standardisation · Quasi-judicial bodies · Public Interest Litigation
More Social Justice notes
- Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates ₹211-crore ESIC OPD block in Hyderabad · 15 July 2026
- Elderly Get Land Registration at Home: CM Launches Sabka Samman, Jeevan Aasan in Patna · 15 July 2026
- Supreme Court Questions CBSE's Classification of English as Non-Native Language · 15 July 2026
- On Tuesday, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay launched the Tamil Nadu Health · 14 July 2026
- Minister to Lay Foundation for 1 Lakh Indiramma Houses on July 20 · 14 July 2026
- High Court Overrules Age Limit: Lucknow Couple Can Pursue Surrogacy with Preserved Embryos · 14 July 2026
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.