The revised NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook has come under scrutiny after changes to content related to the Constitution, secularism and Indian democracy.The controversy began after reports highlighted that the Preamble was no longer included in the introductory chapter on the Constitution in the new textbook. References to the words “secular” and “secularism”, which appeared in earlier editions, were also removed from the main text.However, NCERT has rejected claims that the Preamble has been removed from the curriculum. According to sources quoted by ANI, the curriculum has been redesigned under the National Curriculum Framework, with topics now distributed across different grades instead of being covered in a single textbook.“The Preamble continues to appear in the opening pages of all new NCERT textbooks, including all Social Science textbooks. It is also part of the Grade 10 syllabus,” NCERT sources told ANI.The sources added that constitutional values such as justice, liberty, secularism and socialism are already introduced in Classes 6 to 8 and will be discussed in greater detail in Class 10.
Old vs New: Key changes in the textbook
Constitution chapter
Earlier textbook: The Constitution chapter included the Preamble and explained concepts such as secularism within the text.New textbook: The chapter discusses constitutional values, institutions and governance, but allegedly doesn’t reproduce the Preamble within the chapter. References to “secular” and “secularism” have also been removed from the main text.
Emergency chapter
Earlier textbook: There was no dedicated lesson on the 1975-77 Emergency in Class 9.New textbook: For the first time, the revised textbook includes a separate section on the Emergency, calling it “one of the major challenges” to Indian democracy. It says that during the Emergency, a majority of Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored and many political leaders and activists were arrested. The chapter also highlights the role of Jayaprakash Narayan in leading protests and says the 1977 election result demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy.
Judiciary
Earlier textbook: The previous Class 9 textbook explained the judiciary’s role in interpreting laws, protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring that the Constitution is followed. New textbook: The revised textbook describes the judiciary as an “impartial and independent institution” that safeguards citizens’ rights and upholds the spirit of the Constitution. It says the judiciary can review executive actions and constitutional amendments, strike down unconstitutional laws, and hear Public Interest Litigations (PILs) to ensure access to justice.The change comes months after the Supreme Court objected to references to alleged judicial corruption in a Class 8 NCERT textbook, which was later withdrawn.
Election Commission and SIR
Earlier textbook: The earlier Class 9 textbook explained voter lists and said they are revised periodically to keep them updated. New textbook: The revised textbook introduces the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for the first time. It says the exercise helps ensure that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll. The book also praises the Election Commission for conducting elections impartially despite challenges such as fake news, misinformation and intimidation.
