Emergency Has Been in NCERT Since 2007, Says Yogendra Yadav Amid Textbook Debate

The ongoing discussion surrounding the inclusion of the 1975–77 Emergency in the revised NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook has taken a new turn after political scientist Yogendra Yadav said the subject is not a new addition to the NCERT curriculum.

Yadav argued that the Emergency has been taught in NCERT Political Science textbooks since 2007, challenging claims that the topic has only recently been introduced into school education.

What Did Yogendra Yadav Say?

Responding to the debate over the revised NCERT textbook, Yogendra Yadav said discussions about the Emergency have existed in NCERT books for nearly two decades.

According to him, a detailed chapter on the Emergency was introduced in 2007 during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's tenure.

He stated that the decision was made despite the political sensitivity surrounding the subject at the time.

Debate Over the Revised NCERT Textbook

The renewed discussion follows the release of the revised Class 9 Social Science textbook under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The updated textbook includes:

• A dedicated chapter on the 1975–77 Emergency.
• Revised explanations of democratic institutions.
• Changes to constitutional content.
• An integrated Social Science curriculum.

The inclusion has generated widespread public and political discussion.

Dharmendra Pradhan Welcomes the Inclusion

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed the revised textbook, saying future generations should learn about the events that took place during the Emergency.

His remarks contributed to the broader debate over how the period should be presented in school education.

Yogendra Yadav, however, argued that the Emergency has already been a part of NCERT's academic material for many years and should not be viewed as an entirely new topic.

Emergency Already Taught in Political Science

According to Yadav, the earlier NCERT Political Science textbooks introduced students to:

• The declaration of the Emergency.
• Democratic institutions during the period.
• Constitutional developments.
• Political events between 1975 and 1977.
• The impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy.

His comments suggest that while the revised textbook changes the presentation and structure of the content, the subject itself has long existed within NCERT publications.

Why the Issue Matters

School textbooks often become part of wider public discussions because they shape students' understanding of history, politics and constitutional institutions.

Curriculum revisions involving historical events frequently attract attention from educators, policymakers, political leaders and parents.

The current debate highlights differing perspectives on how historical topics should be presented in educational materials.

NCERT's Curriculum Reforms Under NEP 2020

The revised Class 9 textbook forms part of NCERT's broader curriculum reforms under NEP 2020.

The objective is to:

• Modernise school curriculum.
• Integrate Social Science subjects.
• Update historical content.
• Improve civic education.
• Strengthen constitutional awareness.

Additional textbook revisions are expected across various classes in the coming years.

Conclusion

Yogendra Yadav's remarks have added a new dimension to the debate surrounding NCERT's revised Class 9 Social Science textbook. While the latest edition includes a dedicated chapter on the Emergency, Yadav argues that the subject has already been part of NCERT Political Science textbooks since 2007. The discussion reflects broader conversations about curriculum reforms, historical education and how important events in India's democratic journey should be taught to future generations.

FAQs

1. What did Yogendra Yadav say about the Emergency chapter?

He said the Emergency has been part of NCERT Political Science textbooks since 2007 and is not a completely new topic.

2. Why is the Emergency chapter being discussed?

The revised NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook introduces a dedicated chapter on the 1975–77 Emergency.

3. When was the Emergency first included in NCERT textbooks, according to Yogendra Yadav?

He said a detailed chapter was introduced in 2007.

4. Who welcomed the inclusion of the Emergency in the revised textbook?

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed the revised content.

5. Under which policy has NCERT revised the textbook?

The revisions are part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

6. Why are NCERT textbook revisions important?

They influence how students learn about history, democracy, constitutional institutions and civic education.