Parliamentary Panel says NCERT's new curriculum to have balanced perspective of all genders

New Delhi: According to a parliamentary committee, the NCERT would seek to provide a balanced perspective of all genders in the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and its textbooks. The panel had previously advised the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to conduct a thorough analysis from the perspective of gender bias and stereotypes in order to address the underrepresentation of women and girls in school textbooks or the fact that they are only portrayed in traditional roles. Additionally, it stated that attempts should be made to include all genders in content description and visual depiction.

On Monday, the report of the Reforms in Content and Design of School Text Books Committee on the action taken by the government on its recommendations and observations was tabled in Parliament.

"The committee has been informed that the NCERT has taken note of all the issues raised by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports and will contribute adequately to bringing in a balanced perspective of all the gender in the NCF, syllabus and all the textbooks which will be developed as a follow-up of NCFs. The process of development of NCFs has already been initiated by the NCERT," it said.

Earlier, the panel had also recommended that textbooks should have a greater portrayal of women in new and emerging professions as role models with a focus on their contributions and pathway to achieving the same. This will help in instilling self-esteem and self-confidence among all, particularly girls, it had said.

"While examining the textbooks, other issues like environment sensitivity, human values, issues of children with special needs etc. can also be looked up for adequate inclusion in the School textbooks," the panel had said.

With PTI inputs