Education Reform – NCERT Textbook Debate Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Academic Independence
Education Reform – Academic concerns surrounding freedom in education have intensified following the controversy linked to a removed Class 8 NCERT chapter discussing the judiciary. Education expert and scholar Michel Danino has warned that recent Supreme Court observations in the matter could discourage future textbook writers from experimenting with new ideas and teaching methods.
Danino, a Padma Shri recipient and noted academic associated with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), shared his views during a conversation with PTI on Wednesday. He said many scholars and commentators believe the court’s intervention may create hesitation among authors involved in designing educational content for schools.
Debate Over Judicial Orders and Educational Creativity
The issue emerged after a chapter in an NCERT Class 8 social science textbook drew criticism, eventually leading to legal scrutiny. Danino, along with academics Suparna Diwakar and Alok Prasanna Kumar, initially faced a lifetime restriction imposed by the Supreme Court in connection with the chapter. However, the court later revised its decision and allowed governments, universities, and public institutions to make independent decisions regarding the matter.
According to Danino, the wider academic community is worried that such developments may negatively influence future textbook development in India. He said writers could become overly cautious while drafting educational material, fearing objections or legal complications.
He stressed that innovation is essential if the country aims to modernise school education in line with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Danino argued that meaningful educational reform cannot happen in an atmosphere where authors constantly worry about reactions to every line they write.
Academic Community Raises Concerns
Danino pointed out that several editorials, academics, and public intellectuals have already expressed concern over what they describe as a “chilling effect” on educational freedom. He said that although the Supreme Court had clarified that it did not intend to interfere with academic independence, the outcome of the orders may still create an environment of caution and pressure.
He added that the issue deserves wider discussion within academic circles. According to him, more than 50 scholars from different parts of the country have also written to the President of India expressing concern about the implications of the controversy.
Concerns Over India’s Textbook-Centred Learning System
Beyond the legal dispute, Danino also highlighted broader issues within India’s education system. He described classrooms across the country as excessively dependent on textbooks and argued that this approach limits students’ intellectual development.
Drawing from his own schooling experience in France during the 1960s, Danino recalled that textbooks were rarely used during classroom teaching. Instead, teachers relied on their own research, notes, and prepared material while students used textbooks mainly for reference or additional reading at home.
He suggested that India should shift attention from only reducing the physical burden of school bags to reducing excessive dependence on textbooks inside classrooms.
Teacher Training Seen as Major Challenge
Danino stated that improving teacher preparation is central to achieving this change. He said educators should be encouraged and trained to conduct independent research and create their own teaching material rather than depending entirely on prescribed textbooks.
At the same time, he acknowledged that such a transition would not be easy in India. He noted that many teachers currently lack the training or resources required for this model of education. Infrastructure challenges also remain significant, especially in rural regions.
He further observed that digital learning cannot yet fully replace textbooks because internet access remains limited in a large number of schools across the country. As a result, textbooks continue to serve as the primary source of teaching and learning for many students.
Danino concluded by saying that unless India recognises excessive textbook dependence as a structural issue within the education system, the broader goals envisioned under NEP 2020 may remain difficult to achieve.