NCERT report says textbooks of government schools in Karnataka misrepresented the role of women

BENGALURU: A report by the National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) said that, the government school books in Karnataka are not teaching gender equality and inclusion.

A social sciences teacher has said that, "We definitely do not have gender equality in our social science textbooks. Women like Rani Chennamma and Onake Obavva are still the only ones written about in text books. I'm sure there are many others whose contributions children should learn about."

As per the the report by NCERT, "textbooks (from Karnataka schools) from Classes I to X were analysed on the basis of learner-centred approach, spaces for learners' day-to-day experiences or contexts, curriculum load, inclusion, environmental concerns, and constitutional values. The study reported that though the textbooks provide space for child-centered activities, social concerns such as gender, inclusion need to be addressed across subject areas."

The overall analysis of the social science textbook has showed either ignored or misrepresented the role of women in historical events, preservation of culture and heritage, handicrafts, sculpture, architecture, ancient and medieval literature, freedom struggle, social reformation, etc.

The council further states that it has developed bridge courses for girls who are entering schools at different stages, to raise the enrolment rate and to make sure of the quality of education at all levels.