CRST opposes saffronisation of textbooks

Mangalore, Sep 1: Committee for Resisting Saffronisation of Textbooks (CRST) has demanded Karnataka government to withdraw the Social Science textbooks of Class 6th and 9th stating that the textbooks prescribe for these two classes have strong saffron inclination accompanied by unreliable information.

Suresh Bhat Bakrabail of CRST briefing press persons here on Saturday said that a brief analysis carried out by the Committee has revealed that the National Curriculum Framework-2005 guidelines have not been followed in new social science text books of VI and IX.

"Here constructive approach is lacking. The text books contain constructed matter without leaving any scope for children to construct knowledge. With an over emphasis on Hindu religion and mythology textbook committee has violated the guidelines laid down by the NCF 2005 and government must withdraw such lessons in textbook and reconstruct textbook”, he demanded.

He said that most of the pages content Hindu mythology and classics. With little room for group discussion the topics are not relevant for school children. They have not mentioned anything related to minority and women and have tried to separate them.

He further pointed that the fundamental rights of religious freedom, culture, educational rights are missing from 6th standard text book as its emphasis is more on Hinduism. This clearly indicates that text book committee is interested in targeting Muslims and Christians and warning them, he added.

Two pages in the textbook has been given for topics to highlight confict between Catholics and Protestants.

In 9th standard textbook there is mention about Swami Vivekananda but not about Nehru, Dr Ambedkar or Radha Krishnan, he said.

Krishna Shastry Balila of CRST pointed out that the committee set up for the draft copy had people from the Sangh Parivar. “They say the books are being printed following a direction from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). But, it is a fact the BJP government had misused the NCERT direction to promote its own gains by publishing unrealistic information”, he said.

However Committee formed for drafting textbook had no member from education field, experienced teachers and qualified degree holders. Even the language and words used in the textbooks are not worthy. Since there is no other option the textbook can be continued for this academic year but some chapters in the textbook have to be changed," he urged.