NCERT Adds Emergency Chapter to Class 9 Textbook, Stirs Political Debate

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a section on the Emergency period in its newly developed social science textbook for Class 9, titled 'Understanding Society: India and Beyond'. This is the first time the topic has been included in a Class 9 textbook. The section describes the Emergency as 'one of the major challenges' to democracy in India, noting that a majority of fundamental rights were suspended during that time.

The move has drawn political reactions. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has supported the decision, with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stating that the Emergency was the 'darkest chapter' in India's democratic journey. He alleged that the Congress party, which was in power when the Emergency was imposed, attacked constitutional institutions and suppressed fundamental rights. He emphasised that the inclusion of this chapter would help students learn from past mistakes and ensure such events are not repeated.

On the other hand, the Congress party has reportedly opposed the inclusion. Poonawalla questioned the Congress's stance, accusing the party of maintaining an 'Emergency mindset'. He noted that several leaders who fought against the Emergency, such as Jayaprakash Narayan, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Lalu Prasad Yadav, are now aligned with the Congress, calling it ironic.

The Emergency was imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. During this period, civil liberties were curtailed, the press was censored, and opposition leaders were arrested. The NCERT's decision to include this chapter in the school curriculum aims to educate students about this critical period in India's constitutional history.