The committee tasked with revising educational materials at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has proposed a significant change: substituting 'India' with 'Bharat' in Social Science textbooks for students up to Class 12. This modification is part of a broader initiative aimed at aligning India's educational curriculum with its historical and cultural identity.

Headed by Prof C.I. Issac, a historian, and Padma Shri awardee, the 2022 Social Science committee has put forward this suggestion with hopes that it will be implemented in the upcoming academic year once approved by NCERT. In addition to this change, the committee advocates for the inclusion of major Indian victories and historical events that transpired post-independence. Currently, NCERT textbooks lack such content. To accommodate these additions, the committee suggests reducing the hours allocated to pre-independence history.

Another substantial change proposed by the committee is replacing the term 'ancient history' with 'the classical period of Indian history,' which would more accurately depict the chronological development of the Indian subcontinent. Recognizing the importance of incorporating more about the Indian Knowledge System into the curriculum, the committee recommends enhancing students' understanding of the country's rich achievements, history, and culture.

These proposed modifications to NCERT textbooks come in the wake of a recent debate that began in September when the Union government used "President of Bharat" instead of "President of India" in invitations for the G20 dinner. Despite the ensuing debate, NCERT has emphasized that it is premature to comment on the issue, as consultations with experts are ongoing.

NCERT has entered the final phase of developing new textbooks by forming a 19-member committee. This committee is responsible for aligning school syllabi, textbooks, teaching materials, and learning materials with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for Classes 3-12. Notable committee members include field medallist Manjul Bhargava, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister Bibek Debroy, and philanthropist Sudha Murty, among others. These changes signify a transformation in India's educational landscape, aiming to offer a more culturally grounded and comprehensive learning experience to students.