Question : MODIFICATION OF COURSE

(a) whether the course contents of certain subjects particularly Social Science have been modified at school and universities levels during the last three years:

(b) if so. whether the Government have received any representation for restoring the status quo of course contents as it exists earlier;

(c) if so. the broad details of modification made in the course contents particularly of History and Political Science in Central Universities: and

(d) the reaction of the Government to such changes in the syllabus?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M.A.A. FATMI)

(a) : The syllabus of all subjects at the school level was revised by the NCERT in the year 2001 in the light of the `National Cuiriculum Framework tor School Education. 2000. As regards the universities, curriculum revision is a continual process and the syllabus of various courses is modified from time to time by the concerned statutory authorities of the respective universities like the Academic Councils and the Executive Councils.

(b) to (d): Some alleged distortions in the syllabus of M.A. (Political Science) and B.A. (Hons.) History courses of the Universit}` of Delhi resulting in dilution of study of Gandhian thoughts and practices have recenfy been brought to the notice of the Government. The Government has addressed the Universit}` on the allegations and further action in the matter would be possible only after the response of the University is received. As regards the school curriculum, a panel of three eminent historians set up by the Government had found that the history books were biased, badly written and full of inaccuracies. Based on these findings, the Executive Committee of the NCERT has already decided to restore the earlier books of history with appropriate modifications in line with the existing curriculum and minor corrections, wherever required, from the academic session 2005-2006.