NCERT Introduces Emergency Chapter In Class 9 Textbook After Nearly 50 Years

NCERT has introduced a chapter on the Emergency in a Class 9 Social Science textbook for the first time in nearly five decades.

The new textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond, examines the Emergency’s impact on democracy, civil liberties and constitutional institutions.

NCERT added the chapter to a section on the strengths and challenges of Indian democracy as the country marks 50 years since the Emergency was declared in June 1975.

The textbook explains that rising unemployment, inflation and public discontent fuelled protests and political unrest in the early 1970s, leading the government to declare a National Emergency. It also notes that authorities restricted constitutional freedoms, censored the press and detained opposition leaders and activists during the 21-month period. It notes that democratic institutions came under significant pressure, and citizens experienced restrictions on their rights and freedoms.

NCERT also highlights the role of veteran leader and social reformer Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as Lok Nayak, in mobilising opposition to the Emergency.

The textbook highlights how Jayaprakash Narayan united students and citizens in Bihar and Gujarat to campaign for democratic reforms. It notes that the government lifted the Emergency in 1977 and held elections that reaffirmed the strength of India’s democratic system.

The revised book also examines challenges such as misinformation, poverty, social discrimination and gender inequality, while introducing ‘Democracy and You’ to promote civic awareness and democratic values.

Additionally, it covers democratic institutions, voting, panchayats, media and women’s participation in local governance.

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