New Delhi, Sept. 30 -- The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a new Social Science textbook for Class 9, bringing together themes of Indian history, governance, economics and contemporary social issues.
Titled "Understanding Society: India and Beyond - Part 2", the textbook has been introduced as part of the ongoing curriculum revision under the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. The new book is designed to replace the earlier set of Class 9 Social Science textbooks.
A key feature of the economics section is its focus on taxation and its connection with nation-building. Students are introduced to the functioning of the tax system and given examples of slab-wise income-tax calculations under the new tax regime.
The textbook seeks to connect economic concepts with their role in the functioning of the country, presenting taxation not only as a financial obligation but also in the broader context of public expenditure and nation-building.
The political science portion places emphasis on Indian governance traditions, policy-making and the evolution of institutions. It also seeks to draw connections between traditional ideas of governance and India's modern constitutional framework.
The revised book incorporates themes including Rajdharma, governance traditions and references to the Mahabharata and Upanishadic thought. It also discusses the Sengol in the context of India's historical traditions of governance.
The history section takes a revised approach to medieval Indian history, with greater emphasis on resistance, regional powers and the role of rulers who opposed various invasions and attempts at territorial expansion.
Figures such as Queen Naiki Devi and Rani Abbakka are among the historical personalities highlighted in the revised curriculum. The book also discusses the roles of Rajputs, the Ahom kingdom, Vijayanagara and the Marathas in resisting or responding to political and military challenges.
The textbook also brings contemporary economic subjects into the classroom. Along with taxation, students are introduced to concepts such as insurance and entrepreneurship, providing examples that connect classroom learning with everyday economic activity.
The new textbook forms part of NCERT's broader effort to revise school education material in line with the National Education Policy 2020. The revised curriculum places greater emphasis on experiential learning, skills and connections between classroom concepts and Indian society.
The new Class 9 Social Science book is available through NCERT's official distribution channels and authorised sellers. Students and parents have also been advised to use the latest official editions rather than older versions or unauthorised copies.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.