The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a revised Class 9 Social Science textbook that has triggered a political controversy. The new book, introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, includes a chapter on the Emergency imposed during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure for the first time in the revised curriculum. At the same time, it omits the Preamble to the Constitution and references to "secular" and "secularism" that were present in the previous edition. The changes have reignited a political battle between the BJP and the Congress over the portrayal of India's constitutional values and history.

NCERT has added a detailed section on the 1975–77 Emergency in Class 9 textbooks, calling it a major challenge to Indian democracy and highlighting its impact.

For the first time, NCERT has introduced the Emergency of 1975-77 in a Class 9 textbook, labeling it a significant challenge to Indian democracy. The chapter details the…

The BJP has endorsed the NCERT's move to include the Emergency period in Class 9 textbooks, deeming it a crucial "dark chapter" for students to learn from and prevent recurrence.…