New Delhi — A school textbook approved under the central Samagra Shiksha programme has drawn sharp criticism after a civil society group said it depicts individuals convicted of terrorism as “great personalities.”
The Jammu & Kashmir People’s Front (JKPF), a regional political organization, lodged a formal complaint with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Tuesday, alleging that a history chapter in the Class 9 textbook glorifies militants involved in armed separatist movements. The group says the book includes a profile of Burhan Wani, the 2016 “Stone‑Pelters’ Martyr,” and refers to other Kashmiri separatists as “freedom fighters” and “great personalities” without contextualising their involvement in violent activities.
According to the JKPF filing, the text states that these figures “sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom” and highlights their “courageous struggle,” language the group argues runs counter to the national education policy’s emphasis on secular, inclusive values and the legal definition of terrorism under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The JKPF’s complaint also cites a passage that lists the militants alongside historic Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, suggesting an equivalence that could mislead students about the nature of the individuals’ actions. The organization has called for an immediate withdrawal of the textbook and a review of the content approval process.
The textbook in question was cleared by the Ministry of Education’s Samagra Shiksha scheme, which aims to standardise curricula across states. Officials from the ministry declined to comment on the specific allegations, citing ongoing internal review procedures.
Education experts note that textbooks have historically been a contested space in the disputed region, where narratives about the conflict differ sharply between the centre and local perspectives. “Curriculum decisions inevitably reflect broader political dynamics,” said Dr Rohit Singh, a professor of education policy at the University of Delhi. “If a text presents militants without critical analysis, it raises concerns about the messages being conveyed to young learners.”
The JKPF’s allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of educational content in Jammu and Kashmir following the revocation of the region’s special status in August 2019. Since then, the central government has introduced several reforms, including the integration of the region’s schools into the national curriculum framework. Critics argue that these moves have sometimes overlooked local sensitivities, while supporters claim they promote national cohesion.
The NCERT has not yet released a response to the JKPF’s petition. Under the Right to Information Act, the agency is required to provide a detailed rationale for the textbook’s approval within 30 days of a formal request.
If the complaint leads to a revision, it could set a precedent for how contentious historical figures are portrayed in school materials nationwide.
Analysis:
The JKPF’s challenge highlights the tension between efforts to create a unified national curriculum and the need to address regional narratives that differ from the mainstream. While the group’s claims focus on specific language that appears to celebrate individuals convicted of terrorism, the Ministry of Education’s lack of an immediate comment leaves the factual basis of the textbook’s content unverified by an independent authority. The episode underscores the broader debate over historical representation in education, especially in areas with a legacy of conflict.
Sources
NDTV, “J&K school book calls terrorists ‘great personalities’, alleges civil group,” https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/j-k-school-book-calls-terrorists-great-personalities-alleges-civil-group-11726298#publisher=newsstand
Story synopsis gathered from: NDTV – India News — source
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