NCERT introduces new section on Emergency in Class 9 textbook, calls it 'Challenge to Democracy'

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has included a section on Emergency in a Class 9 textbook.

An official statement from NCERT says that the topic is introduced and presented as ‘Challenge to Democracy’ in social science books.

The topic is covered in Understanding Society: India and Beyond, a newly introduced textbook that explores the workings, achievements, and challenges of Indian democracy. An NCERT official said this marks the first time that a chapter on the Emergency has been included in the Class 9 curriculum.

What does the chapter say?

The chapter is included at a time when India marked five decades since the Emergency was declared in 1975.

In its chapter on democracy, the textbook portrays the Emergency as a pivotal moment that tested the resilience of democratic institutions and the protection of constitutional freedoms.

It says, "One of the major challenges to democracy in India was recorded when an Emergency was imposed in 1975-77. In the early 1970s, public dissatisfaction with the government led by Indira Gandhi was growing. Rising unemployment, inflation, and allegations of misgovernance led to widespread protests."

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“In June 1975, a National Emergency was imposed by the government on the grounds of internal disturbance. During this period, a majority of Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored, and numerous political leaders and activists were arrested. Democratic institutions came under severe strain, and citizens’ freedom was restricted," it added.

The book also highlighted the role of Jayaprakash Narayan in the movement against the Emergency.

"Mass movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan -a political leader and socialist thinker, popularly known as Lok Nayak-mobilised students and citizens, especially in Bihar and Gujarat. The Emergency was lifted in 1977, and general elections were held, allowing people to express their will through the ballot. The defeat of the ruling government demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy and highlighted the importance of Democracy," read the book.

The Emergency section forms part of a broader discussion on challenges facing democratic systems. Alongside the Emergency, the textbook discusses issues such as fake news, misinformation, damaging public property, violation of public rules, poverty, regionalism, social discrimination and gender inequality as challenges to democratic practice.