The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has responded to allegations that the Preamble to the Constitution was removed from several Class 3 and Class 6 textbooks this year. NCERT clarified that these claims are unfounded, emphasizing that it is focusing on various aspects of the Indian Constitution, including the Preamble, Fundamental Duties, Fundamental Rights, and the National Anthem, as part of a new educational approach. NCERT stated that textbook revisions were made in response to the introduction of the latest National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Historically, the Preamble was included in the early pages of several Class VI textbooks, such as ‘Durva’ (Hindi), ‘Honey Suckle’ (English), and various EVS books. However, the new English textbook ‘Poorvi’ and the Sanskrit text ‘Deepakam’ now feature the national anthem and national song but omit the Preamble. The earlier Sanskrit book, ‘Ruchira,’ also did not contain the Preamble. In addressing these concerns, NCERT stressed that its educational materials aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of constitutional values.
According to Professor Ranjana Arora, Head of the Department of Curriculum Studies and Development at NCERT, the notion that only the Preamble reflects constitutional values is incorrect. The NCERT’s goal is to teach constitutional values through multiple elements, in line with the NEP-2020’s vision for comprehensive child development. The NCERT’s official response can be accessed HERE.