NCERT Faces Backlash Over Karnataka Class 6 Textbooks

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has defended the newly launched Class 6 Kannada textbooks for CBSE schools, dismissing regional criticism. However, local academic bodies and prominent writers rejected the clarification, escalating demands for an immediate withdrawal of the curriculum.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) defended the contents of the newly introduced R3 (Kannada) textbooks for class 6 student instruction in CBSE-affiliated institutions starting this academic term, asserting that the learning materials are systematically themed after major domestic river systems.

Responding to formal grievances raised by regional academicians within Karnataka regarding the decision to name these Kannada educational materials after the Krishna River and allegations of prioritizing Sattvik diets under health education, the central council issued an official press release on Thursday clarifying that the nomenclature honors the Krishna River.

“Our national Hindi learning materials are designated as Ganga, the English equivalent as Cauvery, and the Urdu variant as Jamuna. In an identical manner, the Kannada volume bears the title Krishna because it represents a primary river system charting through Karnataka,” the NCERT press administration stated.

Addressing public allegations regarding the exclusive endorsement of Sattvik dietary habits, the administrative council stated, “Comprehensive nutritional guidance is detailed within Chapter 6 of the volume. This subject is explicitly organized under a dedicated section titled ‘Balanced Diet’ on page 63, which features an accompanying visual graphic displaying both vegetarian and meat-based food options.”

The central educational authority further maintained that no section of the printed curriculum validates or promotes vegetarian lifestyles, nor does any portion disparage non-vegetarian dietary practices.

The institutional response follows a report published on June 24 by Deccan Herald, which highlighted the growing public pushback under the editorial coverage titled ‘Mythology-Heavy, NCERT book under fire.’

‘Clarification false’

Notwithstanding the clarification, multiple regional literary figures alongside the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) voiced strong opposition to the revised curriculum and formally petitioned for its immediate removal from schools.

“We firmly reject the explanations offered by the NCERT administration. This response serves only to misguide the general public. The primary river that immediately signifies Karnataka to its citizens is the Cauvery. We question what geographical lessons the council intends to impart, as their official statement is inherently inaccurate,” the KDA announced.

An independent coalition of regional authors, including J Ramakrishna, S G Siddaramaiah, K Marulasiddappa, and Banjagere Jayaprakash, jointly signed a petition seeking a total retraction of the learning materials, claiming the books function primarily as instructional preaching instruments.

“Furthermore, within the printed text of the Preamble to the Constitution, authorities have omitted the term secular, substituting it with the phrase Sarva Dharma Samman. We demand to know what legal mandate provides the NCERT with the power to alter the foundational Preamble of the Constitution,” the critics stated.

Future Outlook

The ongoing friction between central educational policymakers and regional linguistic authorities points toward deeper structural debates over curriculum control. As regional bodies like the KDA intensify their demands, the central government may face legal or administrative challenges regarding textbook content autonomy. Observers anticipate that further revisions or supplementary guidelines may be required to address regional representation and constitutional terminology before the next academic cycle.

FAQs

Why did the NCERT name the new Class 6 Kannada textbook Krishna?

The NCERT stated that the textbook is named after the Krishna River, one of the primary river systems flowing through Karnataka. This follows a broader curriculum theme where Hindi, English, and Urdu textbooks are named after the Ganga, Cauvery, and Jamuna rivers respectively.

What is the controversy surrounding the food chapters in the new textbook?

Critics alleged that the textbook promotes Sattvik food and vegetarianism. The NCERT has denied this, stating that page 63 features a balanced diet section containing illustrative images of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options without bias.

Why is the Kannada Development Authority opposing the NCERT clarification?

The Kannada Development Authority claims the explanation is misleading, arguing that the Cauvery River is the primary geographical symbol of Karnataka. They join local writers in demanding the immediate withdrawal of the curriculum.

What constitutional concerns were raised by the writers regarding the textbook?

Local writers questioned the NCERT’s authority to alter text representing the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, alleging that the word secular was replaced with the phrase Sarva Dharma Samman.