The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is working to implement a balanced perspective of genders in its recently introduced National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and its textbooks. The initiative comes because of the recommendations made by the Reforms in Content and Design of School Text Books Committee. Their recommendation included addressing the problem of under-representation of women and their depiction in school textbooks only in traditional roles. As per the committee, a thorough analysis of the curriculum from the viewpoint of gender bias and stereotypes should be undertaken by the NCERT.
Looking at the gender disparity and bias that still exists in India, the change comes in as a pleasant breeze of change. School textbooks play an essential role in building the child’s perspective. An inclusive and balanced perspective on gender will foster equality and upliftment of the Indian society. As the Reforms in Content and Design of School Text Books Committee presented its report in the parliament regarding the action taken by the government on their recommendations, it claimed, “The NCERT has taken note of all the
issues raised by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports and will contribute adequately to bringing in a balanced perspective of all the gender in the NCF, syllabus and all the textbooks which will be developed as a follow-up of NCFs. The process of development of NCFs has already been initiated by the NCERT”.
The committee had also suggested that the central education board make content portrayal and visual depiction gender inclusive. Greater portrayal of women in new and emerging professions has been stressed, looking at the changed role of women in the present times. The NCERT textbooks, at present, is not in line with the contemporary scenario when it comes to all genders, particularly female. The recommendations and concerns posed by the committee is justified that way. "While examining the textbooks, other issues like environment sensitivity, human values, issues of children with special needs, etc. can also be looked up for adequate inclusion in the School textbooks," the panel stated.
