NCERT forms new Class 11, 12 political science textbook team with focus on Indian knowledge, cultural rootedness

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has restructured its Textbook Development Team for class 11 and 12 political science. This team is now tasked with incorporating cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems, and inclusivity in their textbooks. At least four of the members have connections to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or its affiliated organizations.

The team, led by Sandeep Shastri, aims to complete the class 11 textbook by November and the class 12 book by July of the following year. Notable members include Yadunath Deshpande, who previously served as a joint state organizing secretary for the ABVP in Maharashtra, and Prashant Divekar, who has been associated with Jnana Prabodhini, an RSS-affiliated institution.

Other members bring expertise from various universities and educational institutions across India, with a focus on integrating cultural and spiritual nationalism into the curriculum. The team will consult various curricular area groups and other stakeholders to ensure the integration of cross-cutting themes and multilingual perspectives in the textbooks.