NCERT Academic Changes: Updates in Class 12 Political Science Textbook

The NCERT has finalized changes to its Class 12 Political Science textbook syllabus for the upcoming academic year. These revisions include updates regarding the removal of references to Azad Kashmir and instead include mentions of China’s aggression in its revised Class 12 textbook, the abrogation of Article 370, and other pertinent topics.

Class 12 Political Science textbook: NCERT

These adjustments aim to provide students with current and accurate information aligned with the latest developments and government positions. The revisions are expected to prompt discussions on these complex issues within educational settings.

India’s border situation with China

In Chapter 2, titled Contemporary World Politics, a specific sentence has been altered under the section on India-China relations. Previously, on page 25 of the textbook, the sentence stated, “However, military conflict over a border dispute between the two countries marred that hope.” This sentence has now been modified, “However, Chinese aggression on the Indian border has marred that hope.” This change reflects an update to the language used to describe the ongoing tensions and conflicts between India and China along their shared border, emphasizing Chinese aggression as the cause of disruption in bilateral relations.

Azad Pakistan

In the textbook “Politics In India since Independence – Class 12”, the terminology “Azad Pakistan” has been replaced with “Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK)”. Previously, the textbook referred to Pakistan-administered Kashmir as “Azad Pakistan”, but now it states that this region is Indian territory under illegal occupation by Pakistan, termed as POJK. The NCERT justified this change by aligning it with the current stance of the Government of India regarding Jammu and Kashmir. This revision reflects ongoing efforts to update educational content by contemporary geopolitical positions and national perspectives.

Update on Article 370

Page 132 of the updated textbook now mentions the abrogation of Article 370, stating, “While most states have equal powers, there are special provisions for some states like J&K and the states in the North-East. However, Article 370, which contained special provisions for J&K, was abrogated in August 2019.”

NCERT has provided reasoning for these updates, stating, “The special provision, Article 370 of J&K, was revoked in August 2019 by the President of India. A link to updated information has been provided.”

Alongside the Article 370 update, the textbook has undergone several other revisions. Previous changes include rephrasing references to the Gujarat riots, controversies surrounding the emergency during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure, and certain mentions related to Gandhi’s assassination, all implemented in 2023.