NCERT Class 9 Textbook Calls Gandhi’s ‘Ram Rajya’ an Ideal Governance Model

A new NCERT Class 9 social science textbook has presented Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of “Ram Rajya” as an ideal model of governance, linking it with principles such as transparency, compassion, public welfare, justice and responsibility towards citizens.

The textbook, titled “Understanding Society India and Beyond – Part 2”, was released on Tuesday and forms part of the revised Class 9 learning material introduced under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 and the National Education Policy 2020.

What NCERT says about Ram Rajya

A chapter titled “Governance and Public Policy” discusses governance through references to the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Vedic traditions. It explains that governance in these traditions was viewed as a responsibility towards society rather than simply a means of exercising political power.

The textbook specifically states that Mahatma Gandhi visualised “Ram Rajya” as an ideal model rooted in probity, transparency, compassion, welfare and a people-centric approach to governance and public policy.

It further describes Ram Rajya as an example of good governance and collective life as represented in the Ramayana and the 16th-century Ramcharitmanas.

The chapter also introduces the concept of Rajdharma, referring to the duties and responsibilities associated with righteous governance. According to the textbook, Indian traditions have historically connected the quality of governance not merely with the authority of a ruler but with peace, prosperity, justice and the overall well-being of society.

Governance linked to public welfare

The textbook cites the Sanskrit saying, “Prajasukhe sukham rajnah, prajanam cha hite hitam”, which translates broadly to the idea that the ruler’s happiness lies in the happiness of the people and their welfare.

Using this framework, the chapter places public interest at the centre of discussions around governance. It suggests that effective administration should ultimately be measured by its impact on society and the well-being of citizens.

The textbook’s treatment of Ram Rajya comes as NCERT continues to introduce revised learning material across school levels. Part 2 of the Class 9 social science book contains six chapters covering areas including history, geography, political science and economics.

The presentation places Gandhi’s interpretation of Ram Rajya within a wider discussion of Indian ideas of governance, rather than treating it solely as a religious concept. The chapter connects the idea with broader themes of duty, justice, welfare and responsible leadership.