Marginalisation of Muslims now part of NCERT textbook'

Marginalisation of Muslims now part of NCERT textbook'

Wed, May 28 07:51 PM

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) Social inequalities with respect to religion and caste prevailing in India and the Muslims not getting adequate benefit in the economic development of the country are now part of school textbook prepared by the NCERT. To make students understand this phenomenon, the NCERT has introduced a chapter 'Muslims and Marginalisation' in the Class-VIII Social Sciences textbook which speaks about how the Muslims have not got proper benefit in the social and economic development in the country.

The chapter has also cited the findings of the study on Muslims' status prepared by Justice Rajinder Sachar in 2006. The chapter also gives data about economic and educational development of the Muslim community.

"Social inequalities have been clearly mentioned in the book so that the students can themselves understand the reality in terms of caste, religion and gender," Dipta Bhog, advisor of the book, said. The chapter speaks about the proportional representation of the community in various service sectors.

Examples on social inequalities have been given as case studies to help the children better understand the issue, she said. "Through the chapter, an effort has been made to explain how marginalisation is related to the feeling of prejudices and lack of ability.

Marginalisation not only weakens the social status but also deprives the people of availing education and utilisation of resources," said an NCERT official. PTI.