Old and New NCERT Class 9 Social Science Textbook: What Has Changed?

NCERT Class 9 Social Science Textbook has been revised following changes in content related to Indian Constitution, Secularism and Democracy.The controversy began after reports highlighted that the Preamble was no longer included in the introductory chapter of the Constitution in the new textbook. References to the words “secular” and “secularism”, which appeared in previous editions, were also removed from the main text.However, NCERT has rejected claims that the preamble has been removed from the syllabus. According to sources quoted by ANI, the syllabus has been redesigned under the National Curriculum Framework, with subjects spread over different grades instead of being covered in a single textbook.“The preamble continues to appear on the opening pages of all new NCERT textbooks, including all social science textbooks. It is also part of the Class 10 syllabus,” NCERT sources told ANI.Sources added that constitutional values ​​like justice, freedom, secularism and socialism are already introduced in classes 6 to 8 and will be covered in more detail in class 10.

Old and new: key changes in the textbook

Chapter of the Constitution

Previous Textbooks: The Constitution chapter included the preamble and explained concepts such as secularism within the text.New textbook: The chapter deals with constitutional values, institutions and governance, but allegedly does not reproduce the preamble within the chapter. References to “secularism” and “secularism” have also been removed from the main text.

Chapter of emergencies

Previous Textbooks: There was no lesson devoted to 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. He says that during the Emergency most Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored and many political leaders and activists were arrested. The chapter also highlights Jayaprakash Narayan’s role in leading protests and says that the 1977 election result demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy.

Judiciary

Previous Textbooks: The previous class 9 textbook explained the role of the judiciary in interpreting laws, protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring compliance with the Constitution. New textbook: The revised textbook describes the judiciary as an “impartial and independent institution” that safeguards the rights of citizens 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 litigation (PIL) 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.

Electoral Commission and SIR

Previous Textbooks: The previous Class 9 textbook explained voter lists and said they are reviewed periodically to keep them up to date. New textbook: The revised textbook introduces the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the Election Commission for the first time. He 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 commends the Election Commission for conducting the elections in an impartial manner despite challenges such as fake news, misinformation and intimidation.