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NCERT Recalls Textbook Chapter Amidst Protests

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rt-recalls-textbook-chapter-amidst-protests.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 10:39 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locales: Delhi, INDIA

New Delhi, February 27, 2026 - The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) today doubled down on its efforts to contain the fallout from a contentious textbook chapter, issuing nationwide directives for the immediate recall of the material and the removal of all related digital content. The move comes after weeks of escalating protests and intense public debate concerning the chapter's perceived historical inaccuracies and culturally insensitive representations. Today's directive specifically mandates schools to collect all copies of the chapter and teachers to delete any supporting materials shared on social media platforms.

While the NCERT initially opted for a ban on the specific chapter, this new escalation to a full recall signals a significant shift in the organization's approach. Sources within the Ministry of Education indicate the initial ban proved insufficient to quell the growing outrage, prompting the NCERT to take a more decisive and comprehensive action. The chapter, reportedly detailing events during the 1857 Indian Rebellion, has been accused of portraying historical figures in a biased manner and downplaying the contributions of certain communities. Protestors have argued that the narrative presented reinforces outdated and harmful stereotypes.

The formation of a dedicated review committee, announced earlier this week, is now operating under increased pressure. This committee, comprised of leading historians, educators, and cultural representatives, faces the daunting task of not only revising the problematic chapter but also establishing a robust framework for ensuring the historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity of all NCERT textbooks. The committee's preliminary findings, leaked to several news outlets earlier today, suggest the original chapter relied heavily on outdated sources and lacked critical analysis of primary historical documents.

This incident isn't isolated. It's part of a wider, global trend of re-evaluating historical narratives and acknowledging previously marginalized perspectives. Across the world, educational institutions are confronting the complexities of presenting history in a way that is both truthful and inclusive. In the United States, similar debates over curriculum content related to slavery and the Civil Rights Movement have sparked heated discussions, while in Europe, discussions around colonial legacies and their impact continue to dominate public discourse.

The NCERT controversy is particularly sensitive in India, given the country's diverse cultural landscape and complex history. Historians point to a long-standing struggle within Indian education between attempts at creating a unified national narrative and the need to represent the multiplicity of regional and community histories. "The challenge is to find a balance," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of history at Jawaharlal Nehru University. "We need textbooks that teach students about the core principles of Indian history, but also acknowledge the diversity of experiences and perspectives that shaped the nation."

The implications of this recall extend beyond the immediate issue of the problematic chapter. Experts predict a renewed focus on teacher training, with an emphasis on equipping educators with the tools to critically evaluate historical sources and facilitate nuanced discussions in the classroom. The NCERT is also reportedly exploring the possibility of incorporating digital resources that offer multiple perspectives on historical events, allowing students to engage with history in a more interactive and dynamic way.

The question now is whether these measures will be enough to restore public trust in the NCERT and ensure the integrity of India's educational materials. The review committee is expected to submit its revised chapter by the end of March, and the NCERT has pledged to implement the changes swiftly. However, some critics argue that a more fundamental overhaul of the textbook development process is needed, one that prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and rigorous historical scholarship. The coming months will undoubtedly be a critical period for the NCERT, as it navigates the delicate balance between historical accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and the educational needs of a nation.