LI Network
Published on: 30 September 2023 at 22:40 IST
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has staunchly opposed a petition requesting a uniform syllabus and curriculum in mother language across CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards.
The Joint Secretary (A&L) acting on behalf of CBSE filed a counter affidavit challenging the plea, emphasizing that a uniform curriculum cannot disregard the local context, culture, and language.
In their response, CBSE highlighted that education falls within the Concurrent List of the Constitution of India, allowing State and Union Territory Governments the authority to design syllabi, curricula, and conduct examinations for their schools.
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) provides the guidelines for syllabus and textbook development at all school stages.
The affidavit clarified that NCERT, as the academic authority under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), prepares the national curriculum framework. States can either adopt NCERT’s model syllabi or develop their own based on the NCF.
CBSE asserted that the diverse educational landscape in India requires flexibility, allowing for the integration of local resources, culture, and ethos into the learning process.
The petitioner, Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, had argued for a standardized syllabus across various competitive exams. Upadhyay contended that the current disparities in syllabus create unequal opportunities for students, especially in government schools, and burden parents with additional expenses for coaching centers.
The plea advocated for a One Nation-One Education Board system and the implementation of NCERT books in all schools.
Also Read: Right to Education in India– A Long Road to go – Law Insider India
Case Title: Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India,