NCERT textbook ban: India ministry asks MeitY and MIB to stop digital circulation

India’s Ministry of Education wrote to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) seeking action to stop digital and electronic dissemination of an NCERT Class 8 social science textbook. The request follows a Supreme Court order banning further publication, reprinting, or online circulation over content on judicial corruption.

The Union Ministry of Education on Thursday asked two other ministries to halt the spread of a disputed NCERT Class 8 social science textbook on digital platforms and electronic media, officials said. The ministry wrote to the ministries of information and broadcasting, and electronics, seeking steps to block further circulation of the book online.

The move followed a Supreme Court order on Thursday that stopped any further publication, reprinting or digital sharing of the Class 8 NCERT book. The court imposed a complete blanket ban and ordered all copies to be seized, including physical and digital versions.

NCERT textbook ban and digital dissemination steps

Officials said the education ministry noted that NCERT and related agencies were already removing physical textbooks and stopping reprints. However, the letter said that stopping online and electronic spread needed action by other authorities. It named the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology MeitY and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as competent authorities.

The Supreme Court said the book contained offending content on corruption in the judiciary. The court said "a gunshot has been fired and the institution is bleeding.\" It also observed that there appeared to be a well-orchestrated conspiracy to defame the judiciary.

NCERT textbook chapter on judicial corruption draws action

The disputed Class 8 NCERT social science textbook stated that corruption was among challenges faced by the judicial system. It also listed a massive backlog of cases and a lack of an adequate number of judges. The references triggered strong objections from the Supreme Court.

After the Supreme Court said it will not allow anyone on Earth to tarnish the judiciarys integrity, NCERT removed the textbook from its website. Sources said the government was livid with the controversial references in the book. The removal came as the court order barred any further sharing.

NCERT textbook row and Dharmendra Pradhan response

Earlier on Thursday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the NCERT chapter caused anguish. Dharmendra Pradhan promised to fix accountability and act against those involved in drafting the controversial portion. Dharmendra Pradhan’s remarks came on the same day as the Supreme Court’s observations.

NCERT apologised on Wednesday for the inappropriate content after facing the Supreme Court’s ire. NCERT said the book will be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities. The education ministry’s letter aimed to extend the court’s restrictions to digital platforms and electronic media.

With inputs from PTI