The Central Board of Secondary Education on last week had reduced its syllabus by 30 per cent, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as part of this, it had completely removed chapters on federalism, citizenship, nationalism, and secularism. The decision was met with criticism from various circles. Condemning this, Rajya Sabha MP Elamaram Kareem has written a letter to the HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, asking him to revoke the decision.

"It is crucial for a student to learn about these chapters. This forms the crux of the principles on which our constitution was drafted. So, it is really necessary to include these chapters back in the curriculum," says Kareem. "This is part of the larger agenda by the BJP and the RSS. They're using the pandemic as a mere excuse to do so. The issue has to be viewed seriously," he adds.

"The decision is being criticised by all sections of the society including students' and teachers' organisations. This is being considered as a decision to sabotage the school syllabus. How can a future generation without basic knowledge about democracy, nationalism and secularism be able to lead our nation in a good direction?" he asks through the letter.