What changes have been recommended?
A panel created by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) suggested changing the name 'India' to 'Bharat' in school textbooks. C.I. Issac, a retired history professor, was head of the panel.
They also made other suggestions, like adding classical history instead of ancient history into the syllabus. The group also advised adding the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) to the syllabus to help students learn about the country's achievements, history, and culture.
They also advised that textbooks should discuss all dynasties that ruled India rather than focusing on one or two dynasties.
What is the NCERT saying about the name change?
The NCERT says they haven't made a decision yet. They are still working on creating new syllabuses and textbooks.
The central government promoted the name “Bharat” during the G20 presidential dinner and the G20 summit. During the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nameplate had the term Bharat instead of India. The opposition parties have criticised the panel’s suggestion.
What are the opposition parties saying?
Opposition parties have said that India’s history is being changed through textbooks, syllabuses, etc. They think the NDA government (the present ruling party) forced the NCERT panel to make this suggestion. Another opposition member thinks the government is making these changes because the opposition alliance is called I.N.D.I.A.
People from the BJP support the idea. C.I. Issac hopes that the change will be implemented next academic year.
