E-Paper
Sign In
India's NCERT includes Grade 9 chapter on Emergency; what have Congress, BJP leaders said?
The Emergency was declared in India from 1975 to 1977 by then prime minister Indira Gandhi; it was imposed on the grounds of 'internal disturbances'
- PUBLISHED: Fri 26 Jun 2026, 3:59 PM
India's National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a chapter on Emergency in the Grade 9 textbook, presenting it as a "challenge to democracy", Indian news agency ANI reported.
While this is not the debut of a chapter on Emergency in the Indian curriculum, the subject previously featured only in the Grade 12 politics textbook, for those who chose Arts/Humanities as their stream.
Recommended For You
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels.
With the topic now being introduced at a lower level, a political debate has ignited in India between the ruling party, BJP, and main opposition, Congress.
What is the Emergency?
The Emergency was declared in India from 1975 to 1977 by then prime minister Indira Gandhi, who belonged to the Congress party. Imposed on the grounds of "internal disturbances", the period saw civil liberties being curtailed.
The Constitution allows for the Union Government to gain greater control during periods of Emergency, as it is seen as a situation where normal democratic process cannot function.
The Emergency was preceded by a period of severe political unrest, including challenges to Indira Gandhi's rule. During the 21-month period, new laws were enacted, opposition leaders were jailed, media was censored, and policies now widely considered to be regressive and excessive, were put in place.
What have Congress, BJP leaders said about the NCERT move?
Union Education Minister Dharmendhra Pradhan, a prominent leader of India's BJP, backed the move. "Dark deeds like the Emergency should be known and studied by the future generations so that such a situation does not arise again," he told ANI.
Meanwhile, Congress leader KC Venugopal termed it "divisive politics", talking to India Today. He accused the BJP of "diverting the history of India." Venugopal called out Dharmendra Pradhan for "failure" in conducting CBSE, and Neet exams effectively.
This is a clear-cut attack on Constitution's values. We are fighting against that.
Kc Venugopal
"Emergency 1975 wasn’t a ‘dark chapter’—it was Congress’s true face: dictatorship, forced sterilizations, mass arrests, and total suppression of democracy," BJP's national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged.
He claimed that "emergency mindset still persists" as what he called the "ecosystem" opposes NCERT teaching students about the topic.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Pilot alleged the ruling party presents history and literature in their own way, and that institutions of democracy are being misused.
Over 50 years since Emergency
On debating forums like Reddit, some have backed the move, arguing that since the events of the Emergency are factual, students must learn about India's history.
Meanwhile, others have pointed out that the issue is the highlighting of one specific event considered catastrophic, orchestrated by Congress, while other dark deeds in Indian history go unreported in Indian education curriculum.
Without referencing the NCERT move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid homage " to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history".
On June 25, which marks the anniversary of the Emergency, he said it was "a direct assault on our Constitution" during which freedom was curbed and journalists, political leaders, and social workers were arrested.
At the same time, it also revealed the extraordinary courage of countless citizens who refused to remain silent and upheld the ideals enshrined in our Constitution
Narendra Modi
What has NCERT said?
Meanwhile, NCERT said it was aware of a "fake" version of the Grade 9 Social Science Part 1 book, being shared through social media, websites, and messaging groups.
It added that "unauthorised and pirated" copies of its textbooks are being circulated in both print and digital formats. NCERT asked the public to access books only through official sources, and to avoid sharing unverified links.
The education body said it is taking legal action "against those involved in piracy and the circulation of fake content."
Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.