PM Modi Seeks Accountability Over NCERT Chapter on Judiciary, Government Orders Immediate Withdrawal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly voiced strong displeasure over a chapter in a newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook that referenced “corruption in the judiciary.”
According to government sources, the Prime Minister raised the matter during a Cabinet meeting earlier this week and called for a clear determination of responsibility.
The discussion took place at Seva Teerth, the newly inaugurated Prime Minister’s Office complex, during the first Cabinet session held there.
Sources indicated that Modi questioned how such material had been approved for middle school students and sought clarification on the mechanisms in place for reviewing and vetting educational content.
He is said to have emphasized that accountability must be fixed, expressing concern over the inclusion of content that could be seen as casting aspersions on the judicial system.
Officials familiar with the deliberations described the Prime Minister as deeply disturbed by the development.
Education Minister Responds
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, speaking to reporters in Jharkhand on Thursday, said he was “deeply saddened” by the episode.
He confirmed that once the matter came to his attention, he instructed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to immediately withdraw the textbook to prevent further circulation.
Pradhan underlined the government’s high regard for the judiciary, stating that any observations or directives from the courts would be fully respected and implemented.
He reiterated that there had been no intention to undermine the dignity of the judicial institution and assured that the lapse would be thoroughly investigated.
Those found responsible for drafting or approving the contentious material, he said, would face appropriate action.
Supreme Court Intervention
The issue gained further gravity when the Supreme Court of India took cognisance of the matter.
The chapter in question, part of a lesson titled “The Role of the Judiciary in our Society,” reportedly identified corruption at various levels and a substantial case backlog as challenges confronting the judicial system.
The controversy quickly escalated into a broader debate on textbook content and oversight, prompting swift corrective measures from the authorities.
BJP’s Stand
Addressing the matter during a press interaction, Sambit Patra, national spokesperson of the BJP, stressed that the Indian judiciary remains one of the most autonomous and respected institutions globally.
He remarked that citizens hold the judiciary in the highest esteem, guided by a deep sense of dignity, honour, and pride.
Larger Questions on Content Oversight
The episode has sparked questions about editorial checks within the textbook development process and the balance between academic discussion and institutional sensitivity.
While the government has moved swiftly to contain the fallout, the controversy has reignited conversations about curriculum design, accountability, and the limits of critique in educational material.
With assurances of a formal inquiry and corrective action, the administration has sought to reaffirm its commitment to upholding the integrity and independence of India’s judicial system.
#NarendraModi #NCERT #JudiciaryRespect #DharmendraPradhan #SupremeCourt #EducationDebate #TextbookControversy #Accountability
