On February 27, 2026, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hypocrisy regarding the recent controversy over NCERT textbooks. This issue has caused a stir in India, especially after the Supreme Court imposed a ban on certain textbooks. The controversy highlights significant concerns about how history and facts are presented in education.

What Happened?

The clash began when the Supreme Court ordered a "complete blanket ban" on the publication and digital sharing of the NCERT's Class 8 social science book. The court noted that the book contained content that was offensive, specifically related to corruption in the judiciary. This action indicates serious flaws in how educational materials have been prepared and reviewed.

In response, Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications, criticized Modi's reaction to the situation. He stated that the Prime Minister has been part of a system that influenced education materials for a decade. Ramesh claimed that Modi's outrage seemed fake and was an attempt to control the damage done to his government's reputation.

Key Highlights

The Supreme Court banned the publication of NCERT's Class 8 social science book due to offensive content.
Jairam Ramesh claimed Modi is using fake outrage to cover up government failures.
Ramesh accused Modi of guiding a system that rewrites textbooks to push political agendas.
The controversy began due to critical descriptions of the judiciary found in the textbook.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed disappointment over the textbook contents.
The Congress party is pushing for a full investigation into how textbooks are being rewritten.
This issue has sparked widespread debate on educational integrity and political influence.

Why Does This Matter?

This controversy is significant for people across India, especially students and parents. It raises questions about what children are learning in schools. If textbooks are altered for political reasons, it can shape young minds in ways that are not truthful.

The integrity of education is critical. Parents want their children to learn facts and history, not biased narratives. The current situation may lead to distrust in educational materials, affecting how future generations understand their country and its governance.

What Are People Saying?

What Happens Next?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the NCERT controversy about? A: It involves a ban on a Class 8 social science book due to offensive content on corruption in the judiciary.
Q: Why did Congress criticize Prime Minister Modi? A: They accused him of hypocrisy and a failure to address ideological biases in textbooks.
Q: What is the Supreme Court's role in this issue? A: The Supreme Court imposed a ban on the book, citing it contained damaging material.

Conclusion

The debate over NCERT textbooks is reaching a critical point in India. With strong reactions from both Congress and the government, the future of educational content remains uncertain. It is vital for the nation to ensure that education is free from political manipulation, focusing instead on truth and factual learning.