NCERT Removes 'Secular' from Class 9 Textbook, Sparks Political Debate

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has revised its Class 9 Social Science textbook, removing the terms 'secular' and 'secularism' from the main text as part of a curriculum overhaul under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The change has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse the government of undermining constitutional values.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the removal reflects an 'extreme religious fanaticism' and aims to 'poison the minds of school-going children.' He argued that secularism is a foundational principle of the Indian Constitution and questioned the government's intent. Wadettiwar claimed the move is a strategy to 'rule in the name of religion' and distract from real issues.

The revised textbook, titled Understanding Society: India and Beyond, integrates History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics into a single volume. Among the notable changes: the Preamble, which includes the word 'secular,' has been omitted from the introductory chapter on the Constitution. Previously, 'secular' and 'secularism' appeared in the main text of earlier editions.

NCERT has stated that the changes are part of a broader effort to align the curriculum with NEP 2020's integrated learning approach. The new textbook focuses on constitutional values, institutions, and governance without singling out specific terms. NCERT also introduced a chapter on the 1975–77 Emergency for the first time in a Class 9 textbook, expanded lessons on India's electoral system, and included warnings about counterfeit textbooks.

The removal of 'secular' from the main text does not affect its status in the Constitution. India is constitutionally a secular republic, and the Preamble, which declares the nation 'secular,' remains unchanged. Critics, however, argue that omitting the term from textbooks could dilute its importance in civic education.

The debate comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to revise school curricula to reflect NEP 2020's focus on experiential learning and skill development. The revised textbook is part of a phased rollout that will see similar changes across grades.