The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made significant revisions to its Class XII political science textbook, notably omitting references to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in three instances. These changes come as part of the academic year 2024-25 textbook revisions.

Content Alterations

The previous chapter detailed events from the opening of locks in 1986 to the Babri Masjid's demolition, along with discussions on President's rule, communal violence, and debates over secularism. The revised version shifts focus to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, culminating in the construction of the Ram Temple post the Supreme Court's decision in 2019.

In the revised section, the Ayodhya dispute is contextualized as a centuries-old legal and political issue shaping Indian politics. The Ram Janmabhoomi Movement is highlighted as pivotal in altering discussions on secularism and democracy.

Changes in Summary

The summary of the chapter no longer includes references to the Ayodhya demolition's impact on political mobilization, which was present in the previous edition. 

“What is the legacy of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the Ayodhya demolition for the nature of political mobilisation?”. In the revised textbook, this part is deleted: “and the Ayodhya demolition for the nature of political mobilisation.”

In exercise sections, references to the Babri Masjid demolition have been replaced with the Supreme Court Judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi, reflecting the updated curriculum.

NCERT's Statement

NCERT, on its website, mentioned that the content was updated to align with the latest developments, particularly the Supreme Court's verdict on the Ayodhya dispute and its reception.

“Content is updated as per latest development in politics. Text on Ayodhya issue has been thoroughly revised because of the latest changes brought by the  Supreme Court’s Constitutional bench verdict and its widespread welcoming reception.” the NCERT mentioned on its website.

Source: The Wire and The Indian Express