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3w ago

NCERT Defends Renaming Textbooks as Kerala Demands Reversal

Kerala's education minister formally objects to NCERT's Hindi-inspired textbook titles, while NCERT insists the changes reflect cultural inclusivity, not linguistic imposition.

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An NCERT official said the new textbook titles have not been picked because of linguistic considerations. (HT PHOTO)
The NCERT said that due consideration has been given to culturally resonant names such as Ganita Prakash, Kaushal Bodh, and Khel Yatra. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Overview

  • NCERT has renamed English-medium textbooks for classes 1–8 with titles inspired by Indian instruments, ragas, and heritage, citing decolonization and cultural resonance.
  • Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling the renaming a threat to linguistic diversity and federal principles.
  • NCERT maintains that the titles were chosen for pedagogical and cultural significance, not to promote Hindi, and align with the National Education Policy 2020.
  • Tamil Nadu leaders, including DMK spokespersons, have also criticized the move, arguing it disregards regional linguistic practices and imposes cultural uniformity.
  • Despite the controversy, NCERT reports a significant rise in textbook demand, with sales increasing from 27.5 million in 2023–24 to 59.3 million in 2024–25.