Pune: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has decided to remove the reference to Manusmriti from the new school curriculum framework following the receipt of approximately 3,900 objections and suggestions.
The curriculum, prepared in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP), had stirred significant controversy, particularly due to the inclusion of Manusmriti and religious elements, leading to widespread political and public debates.
The SCERT's draft curriculum framework, designed for classes 3 to 12, was intended to align with the NEP’s goal of introducing students to India’s traditional and ancient knowledge systems.
The curriculum aimed to offer a holistic education by including provisions for the students to choose their subjects, dismantling the rigid stream-based system, and integrating arts and physical education alongside academic learning.
One of the notable proposals was the inclusion of Indian knowledge system elements in each subject's curriculum. For language studies, it suggested memorizing verses from "Manache Shlok" and chapters from the Bhagavad Gita, as well as familiarizing students with various forms of yoga like Jnana Yoga, Atmajnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga.
However, the specific reference to a verse from Manusmriti became a focal point of contention. Critics argued that the mention of Manusmriti, known for its controversial and outdated social codes, was inappropriate for a modern educational curriculum.
The inclusion prompted objections from various quarters, including educators, parents, and political entities, who protested against what they perceived as an imposition of religious and regressive content in the school syllabus.
In response to the backlash, SCERT Director Rahul Rekhawar confirmed that the council had received around 3,900 objections and suggestions regarding the draft curriculum. These inputs are being carefully considered in the finalization process.
Rekhawar stated that the curriculum framework is in its final stages of revision and will be presented to the steering committee shortly. He assured that the controversial reference to Manusmriti will be excluded from the final curriculum.