The new National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class 9 social sciences textbook includes a topic on the “Emergency,” describing it as “one of the major challenges” faced by Indian democracy, an official from the institution confirmed on Thursday.
In the textbook, “Understanding Society: India and Beyond,” the topic has been added in a chapter that discusses the strengths and challenges of democracy in India.
An official, speaking with a media representative, stated that the earlier Class 9 textbook had no mention of the Emergency, but, as a dedicated section has been added as part of the revised curriculum.
Interestingly, India recently marked 50 years since the Emergency was declared in 1975.
Expanding on the period, the section states, “One of the major challenges to democracy in India was recorded when an Emergency was imposed in 1975-77. In the early 1970s, public dissatisfaction with the government led by Indira Gandhi was growing. Rising unemployment, inflation, and allegations of misgovernance led to widespread protest.”
The public unrest led to the imposition of a National Emergency by the government, the book explains.
“In June 1975, a National Emergency was imposed by the government on the grounds of internal disturbance. During this period, a majority of Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored, and numerous political leaders and activists were arrested. Democratic institutions came under severe strain, and citizens’ freedom was restricted,” it added.
The newly added chapter also gave prominence to Jayaprakash Narayan, a veteran socialist leader who led the movement against the Emergency.
“Mass movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan, a political leader and socialist thinker, popularly known as Lok Nayak, mobilised students and citizens, especially in Bihar and Gujarat. The Emergency was lifted in 1977, and general elections were held, allowing people to express their will through the ballot. The defeat of the ruling government demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy and highlighted the importance of Democracy,” the book states.
Apart from the Emergency, the newly-introduced NCERT chapter also discusses contemporary threats to democracy. It identifies fake news, misinformation, destruction of public property, poverty, regionalism, caste discrimination, and gender inequality as challenges that can undermine democratic systems, providing students with an understanding of the risks facing democracies today.