PM Modi seeks accountability over controversy
The NCERT textbook controversy snowballed on Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is learnt to have taken a strong exception to the Class 8 textbook chapter on “Corruption in the Judiciary”, which has now banned by the Supreme Court.
Sources said during the last Cabinet meeting at Seva Teerth, Modi sought to know from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan about the controversy related to the NCERT textbook and asked the concerned to fix the responsibility. “What are we teaching our children? What are we teaching class eight students? Who is monitoring it?” sources said, PM sought to know. On the sidelines of an event at Jamshedpur, Pradhan promised to fix accountability and take action against those involved in drafting the controversial portion. He also underlined that the Government has full respect for the judiciary and has no intent of disrespecting the institution.
Pradhan was in Jamshedpur to take part in a ceremony where President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone for a Jagannath spiritual centre.
“I am very sad at what has happened and express regret... There was no intention to insult the judiciary. An inquiry will be conducted and accountability fixed. Action will be taken against those involved in drafting the chapter. As soon as we got to know (about it), the circulation of the textbooks was put on hold. In a democratic country like India, the judiciary is supreme and we have utmost respect for it. We have taken the issue very seriously. The court’s directives will be complied with,” he told reporters in Jamshedpur.
NCERT also apologised for “inappropriate content” after facing the Supreme Court’s ire over the chapter and said the book will be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities.
There was no intention to insult the judiciary. An inquiry will be conducted and accountability fixed. Action will be taken against those involved in drafting the chapter — Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
What are we teaching our children? What are we teaching class eight students? Who is monitoring it? — Sources
