A major controversy has erupted concerning the history textbook for 11th and 12th-grade students in Rajasthan's government schools, focusing on "Golden India After Independence." The book is accused of giving undue prominence to Congress leaders while completely ignoring the contributions of the BJP and other political parties. Following the controversy, the Rajasthan government has immediately banned the book. Here's why this major political battle erupted and the full story behind it.
Special Place Given to Congress Leaders
Approximately four and a half lakh students in Rajasthan's government schools study history under the arts stream, including the book "Golden India After Independence." The first part of this book is taught in 11th grade, and the second part in 12th grade. This book was included in the curriculum during the tenure of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's Congress government.
It was recently revealed that the book gives special prominence to the Nehru-Gandhi family, with pictures of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi on the cover page. The book also includes pictures of 15 prominent Congress leaders. In contrast, current BJP Prime Minister Narendra Modi is mentioned in a very superficial manner, while other BJP and opposition party leaders are completely ignored.
The selective presentation in Rajasthan has drawn b objections from the BJP and several education experts. They argue that it is wrong to teach students such a one-sided history and that it is an unfair approach to education.
Education Minister Says the Book is Like Poison
Rajasthan's Education Minister Madan Dilawar expressed his displeasure regarding the book and announced its immediate ban. He stated that crores of rupees had been spent on printing the book, but the government cannot allow students to be taught a one-sided and misleading history.
Madan Dilawar said in harsh words, "If poison is accidentally bought by spending crores of rupees, would it be right to drink it just to save money? This book is the same." He clarified that the examination marks related to the subject of this book are not included in the students' main examination results, so removing it will not harm any student.
Congress Protest
The Congress party has bly opposed the government's ban on the book. Senior Congress leader and former cabinet minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas alleged that Education Minister Madan Dilawar is taking this decision only to gain cheap popularity. He said that the book gives space to those leaders who played a real role in the country's independence and development. Khachariyawas also alleged that the Education Minister is trying to color the book according to his party's political needs, which is detrimental to the education system.
Pratap Singh said that the government is playing with the future of the children and that this decision will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He warned that the government will have to bear serious consequences.
Political Clash Intensifies Amidst Controversy
This book controversy in Rajasthan has given a new dimension to the political conflict between Congress and BJP. Both parties appear to be more concerned about their political interests than the future of the students on this issue. This educational controversy has given birth to a new political debate in the state, and there is every possibility that political rhetoric will intensify on this issue in the coming days.
This matter has become a matter of concern for students and parents because one expects fair and correct information through education, but such politically discriminatory books can affect the quality of education.
