NCERT adds Emergency chapter to Class 9 textbook

On the 51st anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to those who defended democratic values during what he called one of the darkest chapters in India's history. The Prime Minister's remarks coincided with a significant change in school education, as the National Council of Educational Research and Training introduced the topic of the Emergency into a Class 9 Social Science textbook for the first time.

In a social media post on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi described the Emergency as a direct assault on the Constitution. He stated that the period witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, and the arrests of political leaders, journalists, and social workers. He also honored the courage of citizens who opposed the Emergency and upheld constitutional ideals. The Prime Minister referred to June 25 as "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas," a day to remember the challenges faced by Indian democracy.

Simultaneously, NCERT has incorporated the Emergency into its revised Class 9 textbook, "Understanding Society India and Beyond." The new content presents the Emergency as a major challenge to India's democratic system. The textbook...