Parliamentary panel on education suggests changes in history books

The parliamentary panel on education has recommended a bias-free portrayal of freedom fighters, greater inclusion of the role of women and more focus on ancient Indian wisdom in school textbooks.

The panel chaired by Vinay Sahasrabuddhe submitted its report, 'Reforms in the content and design of School Text Books', on Tuesday.

"The ministry should explore the possibility of developing a core class-wise common syllabus for various subjects for implementation by CBSE, CICSE and various other state education boards as this will go a long way in maintaining uniformity in educational standards of school students across the country," the report has suggested.


It has suggested that all books, especially history books used for supplementary reading, may be 'in consonance with the structure/ content of NCERT books to avoid discrepancies'.

"This will go a long way in giving due and proper space to the freedom fighters hitherto unknown and oblivious...," says the report.

The committee during its interaction noted that many of the historical figures and freedom fighters have been portrayed in 'an incorrect manner as offenders' and this 'wrong portrayal should be corrected' in our history textbooks.

It has also suggested that ancient wisdom, knowledge and teachings from Vedas and other great Indian texts/books should be included in the school curriculum.