New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) removed references on a separate Sikh nation Khalistan from the class 12 political science textbook after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) raised objections, according to education ministry officials.

Last month, the committee alleged that the NCERT misinterpreted historical details about Sikhs in its Class 12 political science textbook.

The SGPC objected to the mention of the Anandpur Sahib resolution in a book called “Politics In India Since Independence”.

The controversial paragraph that is now dropped read, “The resolution was a plea for strengthening federalism but it could also be interpreted as a plea for a separate Sikh nation” and “the more extreme elements started advocating secession from India and the creation of ‘Khalistan'”.

“Representation from SGPC was received regarding withdrawing objectionable content against the Sikh community by misrepresenting Sri Anandpur Sahib resolution. A committee of experts was constituted by NCERT to examine the issue and the decision was taken on the basis of the recommendations of the panel,” said a senior MoE official, reported by the news agency PTI.

“A corrigendum has been issued by NCERT. While the physical books for the new academic session have already been printed, the changes will reflect in the digital books,” the official added.