PTI [ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 09, 2002 3:48:26 PM ]
EW DELHI: Asserting that the government is committed to correct discrepancies in history textbooks, Human Resources Development Minister Murali Manohar Joshi said on Wednesday historians affiliated to Marxists think-tanks were opposing revision of NCERT textbooks fearing their monopoly of history would soon be over.
"A handful of Marxists were monopolising history and perpetuating writing of text books from their exclusive perspective. The protests over some deletions and revision of the text books are manifestations of fear of losing it," Joshi said addressing a group of teachers and students here.
Reminding that the NCERT curriculum had not been updated in the last ten years, he said "we want to modernise the curriculum and insert fresh ideas. Inculcating modern education includes not only Information Technology and Bio-Technology, but also stress on ancient Indian values."
Joshi said experts are looking into various aspects of the revision and the "panel would soon be announced.
"The priority during the upgradation would be to delete unwanted portions, lightening the burden on the students and emphasis on the ancient Indian culture," Joshi said.