New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said controversies linked to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) should have been avoided, referring to recent disputes over higher-education rules and school textbook content.
Speaking at a private TV programme in Delhi, Pradhan said the UGC had introduced regulations aimed at promoting equality in higher-education institutions and preventing discrimination against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. He noted that the Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on the rules.
The minister said the government would not support injustice or harm to any community and that preventing discrimination in any form is a constitutional duty. However, he added that he could not comment further as the matter is under judicial consideration.
On NCERT textbooks, Pradhan said the Class 8 social science lesson titled “Judicial Corruption” has been removed. He said a new chapter would be added in its place, under the supervision of the judiciary and with proper monitoring, and stressed that the government had no intention of disrespecting the judiciary.
Pradhan also said that over the next three years, internet services would be provided in all higher secondary schools, AI-based education would be introduced, and branches of 19 foreign universities would be started in India.
