The decision to remove certain elements from the Maharashtra state curriculum for Class 10 has sparked controversy. The changes include the exclusion of topics such as the history of the Mughals and the Gujarat riots. Additionally, the names of Dalit authors have been removed from the literature curriculum. In the field of science, the periodic table has been removed from the chemistry textbook. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made these changes without considering the opinions of stakeholders. Although some components have been reduced to lessen the academic burden on students during the pandemic, there is a need to reconsider the reintroduction of certain topics in the textbooks. The article also mentions the importance of managing energy sources and natural resources in the field of science.
• In the tenth-grade curriculum, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to exclude the history of the Mughals, the Gujarat riots, and the portrayal of the Naxalite movement. • The names of Dalit authors have been removed from the curriculum. • The theory of Darwin’s evolution has been removed from the science textbook. • The periodic table has been excluded from the chemistry textbook of the tenth grade. This component was an integral part of the chemistry curriculum for students studying in the tenth grade, but it has now been removed. Additionally, topics such as the sources of energy and their proper management have also been omitted from the science curriculum.
These changes in the curriculum have sparked controversy and criticism. Many scholars have objected to these decisions, which have been made without the involvement of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The exclusion of important components from the textbooks has raised concerns about the quality of education and the impact it will have on students’ knowledge and understanding.
It is important to note that these changes have been made to reduce the syllabus and ease the burden on students, considering the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the removal of certain topics, particularly those related to democracy, diversity, and political ideologies, has raised questions and may lead to further discussions and debates in the future.
