"Clarifying the Status of the Preamble in NCERT Textbooks: Government's Commitment to Constitutional Values"

Clarifying the Status of the Preamble in NCERT Textbooks: Government's Commitment to Constitutional Values

In light of recent discussions in the Rajya Sabha regarding the alleged removal of the Preamble to the Constitution from NCERT textbooks, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has categorically refuted these claims. Speaking in the House, he clarified that the Preamble, along with Fundamental Duties, Fundamental Rights, and the National Anthem, are indeed present in the new textbooks for Class VI.

The concerns were initially raised by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during Zero Hour, where he expressed his apprehensions about the omission of the Preamble from certain textbooks. Kharge argued that such omissions could undermine the foundational values of Indian democracy and accused the government of attempting to impose a communal ideology through curriculum changes.

In response, Minister Pradhan emphasized that the textbooks for classes up to VII have already been published and that the Preamble remains an integral part of the curriculum. He assured the House that these core values of the Constitution are being upheld and that the claims made by Kharge were unfounded.

Leader of the House and BJP President J P Nadda further reinforced the government's commitment to the Constitution, stating that there is no question of altering or undermining its significance. He highlighted that the Modi government has consistently worked to honor and protect the Constitution, as evidenced by the declaration of November 26 as Constitution Day.

The debate also touched on historical actions by the Congress party, including the imposition of Emergency in 1975 and the dismissal of state governments, which Nadda used to contrast the current government's adherence to constitutional principles.

In conclusion, both Minister Pradhan and Leader Nadda assured the House and the public that the Preamble and other essential elements of the Constitution remain intact within the educational framework. The government reaffirmed its dedication to preserving and promoting the core values enshrined in the Constitution of India.