In a recent development, renowned political scientists Suhas Palshikar and Yogendra Yadav have reiterated their request to the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to remove their names as chief advisors from political science textbooks. Palshikar and Yadav expressed their refusal to be associated with textbooks that have undergone significant changes, which they believe have rendered them academically dysfunctional.
In a letter addressed to the NCERT, Palshikar and Yadav criticized a recent rationalization exercise, claiming that it had “mutilated” the textbooks beyond recognition. The two intellectuals stated that the textbooks, which were once a source of pride for them, have now become a cause of embarrassment. They requested the removal of their names from the books and expressed their dissatisfaction with the distorted content.
The NCERT, in response, stated that the withdrawal of any individual’s association is not an option. The council emphasized that the development of school-level textbooks is based on collective knowledge and understanding, and individual authorship is not claimed at any stage of the process.
Palshikar and Yadav clarified that their concerns did not pertain to issues of authorship or copyrights, but rather to their right to dissociate themselves from a textbook they no longer endorse. They argued that if the NCERT has the authority to modify the texts, they should also have the right to decline association. The inclusion of their names in the present version of the books creates a false impression of endorsement, they added.
The statement further highlighted that Palshikar and Yadav are clearly identified as the “authors” of the introductory letter in each book. They questioned the logic of being forced to introduce a textbook that they no longer recognize and urged the NCERT to remove their names from the publications.
Palshikar, an esteemed academician and political scientist, and Yadav, a political scientist and leader of Swaraj India, served as chief advisors for the political science textbooks for Classes 9 to 12. The original versions of these textbooks were published in 2006-07, based on the 2005 version of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Their names were mentioned in a “letter to students” and in the list of textbook development team members at the beginning of each book.
The controversy surrounding NCERT textbooks arose when several topics and portions were dropped last month, leading to allegations that the BJP-led government was attempting to whitewash certain aspects. While some modifications were notified as part of the rationalization exercise, contentious deletions were not mentioned, prompting accusations of surreptitious removal.
The NCERT initially stated that the omissions may have been oversights but refused to reverse the deletions, citing expert recommendations. The council also indicated that the textbooks would undergo revision in 2024, coinciding with the implementation of the new NCF. However, the NCERT later altered its stance, claiming that “minor changes need not be notified.”
The demand by Palshikar and Yadav to have their names dissociated from the modified textbooks adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the content of educational materials. As stakeholders continue to express concerns over the objectivity and accuracy of curriculum materials, the issue raises broader questions about the authority and transparency of textbook development processes.
It remains to be seen how the NCERT will respond to this latest appeal and address the growing dissent surrounding the changes made to its textbooks.
