Dharmendra Pradhan says NCERT changes reflect India's identity, not ideology
Asked about changes in NCERT textbooks, particularly the reduced focus on Mughal rulers like Akbar and the inclusion of lesser-known Indian heroes, Pradhan was unflinching. 'We are not rewriting history. We are recovering it,' he said.'There were kings, saints, warriors who were never given space. We are just bringing them back,' he added further.He dismissed the charge that BJP ideology is guiding curriculum changes. 'This is not party thinking. This is national thinking,' he said.Operation Sindoor, India's recent military operation, has entered the education space. Pradhan confirmed that the operation will be taught in schools as a study module.'If our soldiers crossed borders and returned with pride, that story belongs in our classrooms,' he said.ON LANGUAGE POLITICS AND PAPER LEAKSHe also addressed concerns over language politics. Southern states have accused the Centre of pushing Hindi.Pradhan's reply: 'There is no imposition. Tamil in Tamil Nadu, Marathi in Maharashtra. Let the child learn in their tongue. Even the daughter of a Bihari worker scored 100 in Tamil.'On caste quotas in higher education, Pradhan claimed the data speaks for itself.'We've added more posts, filled more SC/ST/OBC vacancies than before. The process is stricter now. Seats meant for reserved categories remain vacant until filled by rightful candidates. No substitutions.'Paper leaks, he admitted, remain a challenge. 'But this government won't hide. I took responsibility for NEET. Now, systems are being rebuilt. It's a work in progress, but we'll get it right.'The NEP has just completed five years of implementation.- EndsMust Watch
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