CBSE has come out with fresh guidelines about the use of NCERT textbooks in schools. These amendments come in continuation with the present Affiliation Bye-Laws of 2018, aiming to see that the prescribed textbooks and additional study materials are relevant and avoid of any objectionable material.
NCERT Strict Guidelines
The schools shall use NCERT textbooks wherever they are available. In case of using the books of other publishers, they shall not contain any material or content which is offensive to any group. Schools shall, however, quote all prescribed books on their websites and send an undertaking duly signed by both the Manager and Principal, certifying that they have scrutinized and approved such books. Otherwise, in case of detection of any inappropriate material, the responsibility shall lie with the school, for which the Board shall take necessary action.
Revised CBSE Guidelines: Textbook and Content Policies
Classes 1 to 8: Schools are encouraged to use NCERT/SCERT textbooks. If they use supplementary materials, these should align with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage and School Education. These materials should encompass core content and have discussions, examples, and applications embedded.
Classes 9 to 12: NCERT textbooks only for higher classes. In case NCERT/SCERT books are not available the school shall prescribe CBSE books available on the Board’s website. However, schools can augment it with supplementary material and also digital content. The same shall be scrutinised for its content concerning the National Curriculum Framework, and offensive materials may be removed/ expunged’.
Annual Review Mandated
Earlier the Union education ministry directed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to establish an annual review system for school study materials. This process will ensure that any necessary updates are made to textbooks before they are printed for each new academic year, according to officials involved.
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