In a significant move to promote educational uniformity and alleviate the financial burden on parents, the Delhi Education Department (DelE) has issued a directive to all recognized private schools, mandating the exclusive use of textbooks prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) or the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) for elementary classes. This directive is in compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009, and the government will monitor schools to ensure adherence, preventing the use of costly private publishers’ books and guides.
Sudha Acharya, Chairman of the National Progressive Schools’ Conference (NPSC) and Principal of ITL Public School, emphasized the importance of this mandate in curbing discrimination against students from underprivileged backgrounds. She noted past incidents where private schools required these students to use NCERT books while directing others to purchase more expensive books from private publishers. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has also highlighted this issue, urging states to enforce the directive and ensure that any deviation is treated as a violation of the RTE Act.
Acharya further advocated for the widespread use of NCERT books, highlighting their development by esteemed educationists who prioritize knowledge, skills, values, and holistic well-being. She pointed out that NCERT books are not only more affordable but also accessible, making them a cost-effective choice for families and promoting equitable access to education. While private publications might be more teacher-friendly, NCERT/SCERT books are designed to be student-friendly, thereby enhancing curriculum and learning practices.
She also underscored NCERT’s special initiatives, such as the development of a touch/talking pen for visually challenged students and the availability of NCERT audio books, which cater to children with special needs. Acharya emphasized that private publishers cannot adequately address these needs, and teachers can further customize learning experiences based on students’ social, cultural, and regional backgrounds.
Sandeep Bhardwaj, District Secretary of the Government School Teachers Association, welcomed the directive, stating that it would bring much-needed uniformity to the education system. He noted that while similar directives had been issued in the past, this time, the DelE plans to conduct regular inspections to ensure proper implementation and adherence to the prescribed curriculum. Bhardwaj and other stakeholders plan to meet with the DelE director to discuss additional measures to enforce the directive.
However, Aprajita Gautam, President of the Delhi Parents Association (DPA), expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the directive, calling it more symbolic than impactful. She pointed out that a similar order was passed in January 2021, yet little action was taken despite complaints from parents. Gautam highlighted the Delhi High Court’s 2019 mandate requiring all schools under the Delhi government to follow textbooks prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and published by NCERT/SCERT/CBSE. She emphasized the state’s responsibility to enforce compliance and prevent the use of private publishers’ books in schools.
Gautam also addressed the common perception that NCERT books are outdated, a notion that benefits those who profit from private publishers’ books. The directive, she argued, aims to challenge this perception and promote the use of standardized educational materials. However, she cautioned that private schools might choose to ignore the directive and continue using private publishers’ books, leaving the effectiveness of the policy in question.
