Uproar in Parliament over NCERT syllabus

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Friday, August 18, 2006 (New Delhi):Members of Parliament across the board are fiercely opposing changes to be made to class XII Political Science books.

From next year onwards, the books will include bits on events such as the Babri Masjid demolition, the Gujarat riots, the Emergency and the anti-Sikh riots.

BJP members have demanded an explanation from the government and they were joined by MPs from across party lines.

"Freedom fighters like Bipin Chandra Pal have been called terrorists. This is ridiculous," said Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP leader.

What started out as protests over proposed changes in NCERT textbooks has now become a bigger protest in parliament with current textbooks being attacked.

The BJP's objections quickly found support from others including the Left and grudgingly from the Congress.

"This matter we will take up with Arjun Singh on Monday," said Gurudas Dasgupta, Leader, CPI.

Objectionable bit

The bits in the current textbooks objected to by MPs include calling militant nationalists terrorists. Also on the use of phrases like bhangi and chamar and mochi Ram in a children's poem.

After that furious debate the Congress is carefully balancing its comments on the NCERT's new plan to teach class 12 students about events such as the emergency and Gujarat riots.

"These are books written by the experts. Factual incidents have to be recorded. But care should be taken while doing it," said Abhishek Manu Singhvi, spokesperson, Congress.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Pachauri assured members that their feelings would be conveyed to the concerned ministry and an inquiry will be ordered.

Ironically while many welcome a study of modern India's darker side, politics could still prevent the re writing of school books next year.